| Accession Number | C00451 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Black & white - Glass original half plate negative |
| Maker |
Barnes, Ernest Charles |
| Place made | France: Picardie, Somme, Albert Bapaume Area, Pozieres Area, Pozieres |
| Date made | July 1916 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
Collection related to the service of 704 Ernest Charles Barnes
Description
An observation balloon, familiarly known as a 'sausage', ascending on the morning of the battle of Pozieres. The basket carrying the observer(s) is visible just above the ground, right of centre. The observers in British balloons, unlike the pilots of British aircraft, wore parachutes. Numerous personnel can be seen controlling the balloon with ropes. The piece attached to the underside and right end of the balloon acted to maintain the balloon's direction. These hydrogen filled balloons were a valuable aid in trench warfare, enabling the discovery of enemy movements and artillery positions. When not in use the balloons were anchored to the ground with a strong cable. (From the collection of 704 Driver Ernest Charles Barnes who served with the 1st Field Artillery Brigade, 21st Howitzer Brigade and 2nd Field Artillery Brigade.)