I have also read that somewhere although I cannot summon it to mind at the moment.

I believe that it corrisponded with the recruitment of Highland stalkers and Ghillies to start the first sniper school. Which is why that burlap ribboned suit they wear is still called a Ghillie suit.

How sucessfull it was we cannot know but I would not wish to be cowering behind the steel plate whilst they tried it out

Regards