I don't think it was a dream..
It soudns like you may have seen a picture of the LRDC (Long Range Desert Group).
You can do a google search to find more info.
The cloth and goggles were (and is still) used for keeping sand and dust away from the mouth, nose and eyes..
It can also have been another unit, since this "technique" was used by others as well.
But I think I've seen pictures of LRDC that looked like your description.