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보/고/서

ATIS INTERROGATION REPORT NO. 3905　9 March 1951

FIELD REPORT (ADVATIS SPECIAL REPORT 036)　4 March 1951

PW is intelligent but appeared unconcerned and somewhat hesitant in response to interrogation. Reliability - Fair.

Training in the above subject is not treated separately during the indoctrination of recruits. It is not considered feasible to do so, due to the varied types of terrain and geographical locations in which the troops will be operating. During pre-combat training and in actual combat operations, much more emphasis is placed on this subject, especially at lower levels of command, i.e., platoon and squad.

Two different types of wearing apparel, which may be used for camouflage, are issued. One type of such issue consists simply of a head net and a net, approximately 1 meter square, which is tied around the neck and worn similar to a cape on the back of the soldier. The other type of issue is a string net stitched to the cap and jacket as shown in sketch No 1. The net in both cases is made of string. No multi-colored uniforms are issued. Foxholes are camouflaged with straw and vegetation, if available.

II

PW was cooperative, but was not too familiar with principles and techniques of camouflage. Reliability - Fair.

a. General:

PW unit was not issued camouflage clothing or nets. Members of organization improvised own attachments to clothing for purposes of camouflage. (See sketch No 3). When unit halted for bivouac, all vehicles were parked at the foot of nearest hill or incline and were then covered with available vegetation. Operations of unit, i.e., repair of bridges and railways, were conducted solely after dark and light, when needed, was furnished by kerosene lamps.

III

PW was cooperative and possessed a limited knowledge of camouflage principles. Reliability - Good.

a. Individual Camouflage:

PW platoon (30 men) was issued 5 pieces of camouflage painted cloth, each piece being approximately 1 meter square. It was a soft-gauze-like material painted on only one side and it was not known if this was general issue material or of captured origin. The material was worn on the back as a cape and was tied around the neck with string sewn to the edges. Soldiers, who were not issued this material, improvised their own nets and attached them to their hats and jackets.

b. Vehicular Camouflage:

PW unit used straw inserted between lengths of rope to camouflage vehicles. The rope was strung horizontally along the vehicle at approximately 2 foot intervals. The rope is woven from rice straw. PW observed other units that had been issued rope nets for vehicular camouflage.

IV

PW was cooperative and had a thorough knowledge of the subject under discussion. Reliability - Good.

If the terrain is suitable, the edges of wooded areas are chosen for gun positions. When this is impractical, and trees are at hand, the trees are transplanted to the vicinity of the gun positions. Nets are then strung from the trees over the individual gun locations, and the nets are garnished with straw. In villages or towns, guns are placed in or near bombed out buildings and the materials from the buildings are used to disguise the location. Dispersion between prime movers and guns is a minimum of 50 meters. Camouflage is the first consideration of gun squads after a position is occupied. When the artillery is in such a location that its use is not anticipated, commanders place their weapons in caves, tunnels or beneath over-hanging ledges during the day.

During winter months, while cloth for use over horses, guns and trucks is issued for operations in snow. Extensive use is made of this material, e.g., horses are completely blanketed in the cloth with the exception of eye-holes. The cloth is cut and designed to fit the particular item by the using troops. Reversible coats (parkas) are issued to troops.

V

PW was very cooperative and surprisingly well informed of military tactics. Reliability - Good.

During combat operations, it was found through experience that the hospital could not be operated in tenets due to lack of camouflage. Hence, huts and small villages were utilized extensively. Since the space afforded by the rooms of the huts was not large enough for operating rooms, additions to the huts were erected. (See sketch No 3.) Straw mats, 21/2 meters x 11/2 meters, as shown, were used as false sides for the huts. Other precautions taken are as follows:

Lightly wounded men could proceed to the hospital during the day, only if they remain well dispersed so as not to reveal the location of the hospital.

Litter cases were carried to the hospital only under cover of darkness.

No patients were permitted outside the hospital during daylight, and none of the staff would leave except in emergencies.

Air raid sentries were placed on nearby hills and gave alarm by whistle.

For the Commanding Officer:

SKETCH #1, SKETCH #2

SKETCH #3