WWI Marine Hideout: Ingenious Camouflage Tactics

This photograph captures a camouflaged home used by United States Marines in France, specifically taken on May 21, 1918, by the Bain News Service. The structure is cleverly disguised with brushwood, a tactical decision aimed at hiding it from enemy aircraft. During World War I, aerial reconnaissance was a growing concern, and such camouflage techniques were essential for the protection of troops. This image offers a glimpse into the practical measures the Fifth Marines took while training behind enemy lines, particularly in the Menancourt area of France.

The photograph is an important historical record from a critical period in military history, spanning 1917 to early 1918. Training in camouflage was a new and crucial part of military preparations as the war evolved; the Marines had to adapt quickly to the use of aircraft in warfare. By concealing their quarters in this manner, the troops not only aimed to protect their lives but also to maintain a strategic advantage. Such practices illustrate the innovative approaches the military used to counter the enemy tactics of the time. Analyzing these images enriches our understanding of the methods employed by soldiers in the Great War.