Q&A · 1:22:22-1:23:02

Ships disguised as islands and foliage

A Dutch ship's successful concealment is compared with Roman coastal attempts and Japan's late-war use of foliage.

Question

Which navies made the best use of foliage or island-like camouflage for ships?

Short answer

The Dutch example is judged the most successful; Roman coastal concealment and Japanese use late in World War II provide comparisons.

Notes

The Dutch example is judged the most successful because it travelled far and survived. Roman ships also tried foliage to conceal movement along the coast, with less success. Japan used similar concealment extensively toward the end of World War II to hide ships.