By Robert M. Bullwinkle

It may seem to the uninitiated that camouflage should be a rather simple accomplishment. How hard can it be to blend in with trees and dirt? Just take a look around and match the most apparent patterns in a chosen environment, right? As the authors of Brassey’s Book of Camouflage so expertly bring to light, the myriad of variations, and the sheer complexity of the essential design functions are actually staggering, with technology constantly honing the fine art of stealth.

In the civilian world, camouflage or camo, as it is more commonly referred, is most often seen as a hunting accessory.  Having become something of an urban fad as street clothing during the 1990’s, it is still seen occasionally today.

For the contemporary hunter, inadequate camouflage may mean an opportunity missed.  Hours spent stalking wasted.  Inconvenient, even maddening, but rarely life threatening. In prehistoric times, the stakes were much higher.  Hunters learned to emulate their predatory competition as a survival skill.

The military brings a more difficult agenda, forever walking the line between predator and prey. This ever present imperilment and sacrifice can be credited with most of the advancements in camouflage. While most are familiar with camouflage as it applies to the tactical gear of a foot soldier, not so well known are the unusual ways it has been successfully applied to planes, artillery, and even ships! The bottom line, if you will, is the simple, timeless fact that whether man or machine, confusion and invisibility often buy the minutes or even seconds that may be the difference between success and failure. Life and death.  Essential as well, that while striving to remain unseen by the enemy, it is imperative to be distinguishable from them.

Brassey’s Book of Camouflage provides outstanding historical insight into the who where and whys of the innovations in deception, illusion and disguise as war time applications of these techniques progressed to their current state. As battlefield radar, thermal imaging and drones become more prevalent, today’s soldier must once again redefine invisibility.

Written in a concise and chronological manner, the authors provide in-depth historical references with the origins, applications and nuances of camouflage  illustrated throughout by numerous drawings and photos on every page. Anyone with an interest in military history is sure to find this book both fascinating and informative.  Two additional sections, over 100 full color pages, highlight the many variations of camouflage, as well as showcasing soldiers in tactical gear in the environment for which the gear was conceived. 

Tim Newark is a noted authority on uniforms past and present and has written on many aspects of military history. He is editor of Military History magazine.  You'll find the author online at www.timnewark.com

Brassey’s Book of Camouflage (Conway/ Sep 2009) By Tim Newark, Quentin Newark, and Dr. JF Borsarello

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