At the
battle of Haelen, during which engagement the German warplanes
were exceptionally active, the Belgian soldiers covered their
heads with bundles of wheat snatched from the standing stooks,
and under this cover lurked in a field where the corn was still
standing. From aloft their forms defied detection: the
improvised headgear completely covered them and blended
effectively with the surrounding wheat. In another instance the
French misled a German airman somewhat effectively. What
appeared to be cavalry was seen to be retreating along the
country road, and the airman returned hurriedly to report. A
German squadron was dispatched in hasty pursuit. But as it
rounded a copse skirting the road it received a murderous fire at
close quarters, which decimated the ranks and sent the survivors
flying for their lives along the road up which they had ridden so
confidently. Had the aviator been in a position to observe the
horses more closely, he would have found that what appeared to be
riders on their backs were in reality sacks stuffed with straw,
dressed in old uniforms, and that a mere handful of men were
driving the animals forward.
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