The observers in these balloons were the ‘eyes’ of the British guns in France. They were highly trained, and had maps, and even telephones in the basket. If attacked by enemy aircraft or shelled, they had to make a rapid descent by parachute.While emphasizing Britain’s scientific ‘superiority’ at this time, and the calibre of the soldiers, the ‘science’ was still transported in a woven basket.
This was probably a probably a propaganda image taken by official war photographer David McLlellan.
Two military observers in a hot air balloon basket, France, World War 1
Usage: Military
