A British observation balloon launched near Ypres, Belgium to spot enemy artillery in 1917. The balloons were filled with hydrogen gas, whose flammable nature led to the destruction of hundreds of balloons on both sides. Typically, balloons were tethered to a steel cable attached to a winch that reeled the gasbag to its desired height (usually 1,000-1,500 metres) and retrieved it at the end of an observation session.

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Size: 3200px × 2426px
Location: Ypres, Belgium
Photo credit: © De Luan / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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