CAMOUFLAGE AT SEA.

Taihape Daily Times, 17 July 1918, Page 7

CAMOUFLAGE AT SEA.

Of the many methods of marine camouflage either tried out or suggested, two are most promising. These ; two are known as the British and Mackay systems. In the former, says the Scientific American, the camouflage artist paints out all shadcwsand softens or destroys all outlines, and the entire superstructure is painted a sky blue or some other colour which" blends, with the horizan. In this manner, if the work is carriedT out with consummate skill and patience, the vessel is indistinct even a short distance away; especially If the submarine commander is making his observations through a periscope. In the latter or Mackay system the camouflage takes the form of a leopard-spot uesign, so that all outlines are broken up by the blotchy coat of paint, and parts of the vessel are even painted with wavy lines, so as to match with the surrounding water. Clever feats of camouflage enable vessels to appear much shorter than they are, tending to deceive the submarine marksman to a greater or less degree. In the same class is the painting of fake bow waves, which give the vessel the appearance of travelling along at a high speed when it may be considerably slowed down. la this case the submarine commander, under-estimat-ing his intended victim's speed, is likely to send his torpedoes considerably in front of the steamer aimed at. j Final screening of—