Small columns are now strung out along the
highways to convey the impression that the moving troops are in
far greater force than is actually the case, while the main body
is under the cover offered by a friendly wood and is safe from
detection. The rapidity with which thousands of men are able
to disappear when the word "Airman" is passed round is
astonishing. They vanish as completely and suddenly as if
swallowed by the earth or dissolved into thin air. They conceal
themselves under bushes,in ditches, lie prone under hedgerows,
dart into houses and outbuildings--in short, take every cover
which is available, no matter how slender it may seem, with
baffling alacrity. The attenuated column, however, is kept
moving along the highway for the express purpose of deceiving the
airman.
Advancing troops also are now urged to move forward under the
shelter of trees, even if the task entails marching in single or
double file, to escape the prying eyes of the man above. By
keeping close to the line of trunks, thus taking full advantage
of the overhanging branches, and marching in such a manner as to
create little dust, it is possible to escape the aerial scout.
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