Hiding in plain sight during World War One

Camouflage trees, also known as fake trees, false trees, and observation trees, were observation posts invented in 1915 by French painter Lucien-Victor Guirand de Scevola while leading the French army’s Section de Camouflage. They were used by the armed forces of France, the United Kingdom, and Germany in trench warfare during World War I.

Because the front was constantly watched by the enemy, one just couldn’t erect a new tree, because any new tree appearing out of nowhere would have instantly drawn attraction and fire. The fake tree had to replace an existing tree.

A dead tree, blasted by a bomb, located ideally near the trenches was chosen. The tree was then photographed and extensively studied, measurements taken and sketches made. A hollow, steel replica was then made in the workshop far behind the lines. At night, under the cover of darkness and artillery fire, the real tree was felled and the fake one installed in its place. The artillery fire also drowned out the noise of the work.