A Book Review of World War II Tactical Camouflage Techniques
by
Ardil
Gordon L. Rottman’s book World War II Tactical Camouflage Techniques gives a broad overview of tactical camouflage techniques used by American, British, Soviet, and German forces during World War II. The focus is on camouflage used by front-line units. The techniques are depicted in color illustrations by Peter Dennis, as well as extensive black and white battlefield photography drawn primarily from the work of Tom Laemlein at Armor Plate Press, the Imperial War Museum, and Nik Cornish at Stavka.org.uk. Rottman devotes chapters to the principles of camouflage, specialized materials, individual camouflage techniques, vehicular camouflage, artillery camouflage, and miscellanea, a heading under which he groups the camouflage of surveillance locations and obstacles with “reverse” camouflage, or the use of decoys and dummies. During World War II, the extensive use of aerial surveillance and the longer ranges and improved accuracy of weapons “made troops’ camouflage and concealment a matter of life or death.”[1] World War II Tactical Camouflage Techniques offers a beautifully illustrated high-level overview of the reasons for and methods of camouflage in World War II, together with a bibliography for deeper research.
Rottman explains that camouflage was not generally necessary in wars preceding World War I, as enemies were not at that time capable of aerial observation or killing at long range without exposure.[2] He points out that the camouflage techniques themselves were not as important as the detail and care with which they were implemented. For example, if garnishing and countershading were used improperly, they could give away the presence of something in that location, possibly telegraphing the identity of the object as well.[3] The soldier was not always experienced in these topics, as “unit training did not always emphasize camouflage. It was when units met the enemy that its importance became obvious.”[4]
Among other details, he discredits the fabled near-invisibility of paint-camouflaged tanks of World War II, explaining that the general-issue patterns were not usually effective.[5] Tanks were painted in general color patterns, chosen to suit all terrain, and therefore suiting none: in particular, black, which rarely occurs in nature, was overused in color patterns, while gray fell into disuse.[6] In general, painting was a less effective form of camouflage than garnishing, the insertion of local foliage into nets and onto vehicles.[7] Also very effective were nets, especially “shrimp nets,” (nets with much smaller holes), which were able to obscure the outline of an object from aerial reconnaissance.[8] Generally, observers of all kinds would search for normal shapes, edges, and boxy-type silhouettes. Smoothing an object’s outline removed the regularity from its silhouette, making it far less recognizable by observers. Rottman’s treatment of painting also includes detailed color information of interest to historical model-builders.[9]
Perhaps the most fascinating content is the beautifully illustrated chapter on individual concealment. In it, Rottman points out that highest among battlefield priorities was blending in with the background.[10] For example, foliage was not always applicable to every background: if a soldier was in the middle of rubble, leaves poking out of his helmet would attract the enemy’s attention, not divert it. Rottman writes that it was also important for all visible skin to be darkened to some degree, in order to avoid attracting attention, especially during the night when the surroundings were dark.[11] His treatment of clothing extends well beyond the standard issued uniform pieces to include makeshift and impromptu techniques used in different types of terrain.[12]
In another chapter, he describes the camouflage of machine guns, and the effectiveness of rubble in camouflage - a particularly interesting topic. Because pieces of rubble are generally normal shapes, piles of it could help in disguising the edges of large objects. This was done by introducing so many edges that the observer would begin to anticipate edges everywhere, therefore begin to miss the ones that would normally be easily seen.[13] Some subjects that Rottman’s book did not cover as extensively as it could have are the camouflage of foxholes, dugouts or mortar encampments. However, it is possible that these subjects would be considered outside the scope of the book, and were not included for that reason. One matter of note is that such topics were included books recommended in the “Further Reading” section, possibly hinting that the above was true.
The author gained his insights into wartime situations through his training and experience in Vietnam, followed by twenty-six years as a weapons specialist from 1967-1993. He also wrote scenarios for training Special Operations Forces for twelve years. Much of Rottman’s material appears to be drawn from US Army field manuals, and from a variety of historical and reference works published in the late 1970s-late 2000s. The beautifully-made illustrations and well-chosen photographs are the main highlights of the book, depicting clear examples of a wide variety of the use of camouflage use, both effective and ineffective, and labelled with lucid, extensive captioning.
The field manuals included in Rottman’s bibliography provide a researcher with deeper and more specific insight into the use of camouflage by U.S. forces. These manuals published by the US Army during World War II describe camouflage techniques in detail, along with illustrations of the kits issued and step-by-step instructions to create camouflaged structures and improve personal camouflage. The manuals offer visual examples of excellent and defective usage. This level of detail is not plumbed in Rottman’s text, which offers greater breadth by including information about French, German, and Russian forces as well.[14]
The main deficiency of the book is the absence of footnotes. It has an excellent bibliography and a thorough and detailed index, but the lack of footnotes does not conform to the academic standards required for a scholarly book; this results in difficulty verifying specific facts. However, for a non-specialized or young student audience, the clarity of exposition and detailed illustrations present a compelling and fascinating introduction to the subject.
In general, this book gave a strong overview of camouflage techniques, though it may have omitted some interesting topics, and had a rather noticeable lack of footnotes, making it more useful for a younger or more inexperienced audience than an academic one. This book is well-written, but it is the pictures and drawings that make it fascinating.
Sources
Footnotes
[1] Gordon L. Rottman, World War II Tactical Camouflage Techniques (Oxford, UK: Osprey, 2013), back cover.
[2] Ibid., 4.
[3] Ibid., 24.
[4] Ibid., 62.
[5] Ibid., 48.
[6] Ibid., 11.
[7] Ibid., 48.
[8] Ibid., 14.
[9] Ibid., 12, 51.
[10] Ibid., 8.
[11] Ibid., 38.
[12] Ibid., 25, 35.
[13] Ibid., 44.
[14] US War Department, “FM 5-20A-D,” dated Feb. 9, 1944, archive.org. Note: FM 5-20A-D in this context refers to all of FM 5-20A, FM 5-20B, etc.
Rottman explains that camouflage was not generally necessary in wars preceding World War I, as enemies were not at that time capable of aerial observation or killing at long range without exposure.[2] He points out that the camouflage techniques themselves were not as important as the detail and care with which they were implemented. For example, if garnishing and countershading were used improperly, they could give away the presence of something in that location, possibly telegraphing the identity of the object as well.[3] The soldier was not always experienced in these topics, as “unit training did not always emphasize camouflage. It was when units met the enemy that its importance became obvious.”[4]
Among other details, he discredits the fabled near-invisibility of paint-camouflaged tanks of World War II, explaining that the general-issue patterns were not usually effective.[5] Tanks were painted in general color patterns, chosen to suit all terrain, and therefore suiting none: in particular, black, which rarely occurs in nature, was overused in color patterns, while gray fell into disuse.[6] In general, painting was a less effective form of camouflage than garnishing, the insertion of local foliage into nets and onto vehicles.[7] Also very effective were nets, especially “shrimp nets,” (nets with much smaller holes), which were able to obscure the outline of an object from aerial reconnaissance.[8] Generally, observers of all kinds would search for normal shapes, edges, and boxy-type silhouettes. Smoothing an object’s outline removed the regularity from its silhouette, making it far less recognizable by observers. Rottman’s treatment of painting also includes detailed color information of interest to historical model-builders.[9]
Perhaps the most fascinating content is the beautifully illustrated chapter on individual concealment. In it, Rottman points out that highest among battlefield priorities was blending in with the background.[10] For example, foliage was not always applicable to every background: if a soldier was in the middle of rubble, leaves poking out of his helmet would attract the enemy’s attention, not divert it. Rottman writes that it was also important for all visible skin to be darkened to some degree, in order to avoid attracting attention, especially during the night when the surroundings were dark.[11] His treatment of clothing extends well beyond the standard issued uniform pieces to include makeshift and impromptu techniques used in different types of terrain.[12]
In another chapter, he describes the camouflage of machine guns, and the effectiveness of rubble in camouflage - a particularly interesting topic. Because pieces of rubble are generally normal shapes, piles of it could help in disguising the edges of large objects. This was done by introducing so many edges that the observer would begin to anticipate edges everywhere, therefore begin to miss the ones that would normally be easily seen.[13] Some subjects that Rottman’s book did not cover as extensively as it could have are the camouflage of foxholes, dugouts or mortar encampments. However, it is possible that these subjects would be considered outside the scope of the book, and were not included for that reason. One matter of note is that such topics were included books recommended in the “Further Reading” section, possibly hinting that the above was true.
The author gained his insights into wartime situations through his training and experience in Vietnam, followed by twenty-six years as a weapons specialist from 1967-1993. He also wrote scenarios for training Special Operations Forces for twelve years. Much of Rottman’s material appears to be drawn from US Army field manuals, and from a variety of historical and reference works published in the late 1970s-late 2000s. The beautifully-made illustrations and well-chosen photographs are the main highlights of the book, depicting clear examples of a wide variety of the use of camouflage use, both effective and ineffective, and labelled with lucid, extensive captioning.
The field manuals included in Rottman’s bibliography provide a researcher with deeper and more specific insight into the use of camouflage by U.S. forces. These manuals published by the US Army during World War II describe camouflage techniques in detail, along with illustrations of the kits issued and step-by-step instructions to create camouflaged structures and improve personal camouflage. The manuals offer visual examples of excellent and defective usage. This level of detail is not plumbed in Rottman’s text, which offers greater breadth by including information about French, German, and Russian forces as well.[14]
The main deficiency of the book is the absence of footnotes. It has an excellent bibliography and a thorough and detailed index, but the lack of footnotes does not conform to the academic standards required for a scholarly book; this results in difficulty verifying specific facts. However, for a non-specialized or young student audience, the clarity of exposition and detailed illustrations present a compelling and fascinating introduction to the subject.
In general, this book gave a strong overview of camouflage techniques, though it may have omitted some interesting topics, and had a rather noticeable lack of footnotes, making it more useful for a younger or more inexperienced audience than an academic one. This book is well-written, but it is the pictures and drawings that make it fascinating.
Sources
- Rottman, Gordon L. World War II Tactical Camouflage Techniques. Oxford, UK: Osprey, 2013.
- Archive.org, “FM 5-20A-D.” The US War Department, 1944.
Footnotes
[1] Gordon L. Rottman, World War II Tactical Camouflage Techniques (Oxford, UK: Osprey, 2013), back cover.
[2] Ibid., 4.
[3] Ibid., 24.
[4] Ibid., 62.
[5] Ibid., 48.
[6] Ibid., 11.
[7] Ibid., 48.
[8] Ibid., 14.
[9] Ibid., 12, 51.
[10] Ibid., 8.
[11] Ibid., 38.
[12] Ibid., 25, 35.
[13] Ibid., 44.
[14] US War Department, “FM 5-20A-D,” dated Feb. 9, 1944, archive.org. Note: FM 5-20A-D in this context refers to all of FM 5-20A, FM 5-20B, etc.