Entreprenant Collection

Jean-Marie Coutelle, Appointed Commander of Les Aerostiers, 1794. Below right
528360 Jean-Marie Coutelle, Appointed Commander of Les Aerostiers, 1794. Below right, varnishing balloon at School of Military Ballooning, Meudon

Battle of Fleurus 26 June 1794, French Revolutionary Wars. Use of 'The Entreprenant' as reconnaissance balloon
528359 Battle of Fleurus 26 June 1794, French Revolutionary Wars. Use of 'The Entreprenant' as reconnaissance balloon the first use of a balloon in warfare, contributed to French victory

The balloon Entreprenant, flown by Coutelle, at the Battle of Fleurus, 1794 (1890s). In 1794 the revolutionary Committee of Public Safety established a company of balloonists for the French Army

Transport of the balloon Entreprenant from Mauberge to Charleroi, 1794 (1890s). In 1794 the revolutionary Committee of Public Safety established a company of balloonists for the French Army

Aerial voyages - Fonville in L Entreprenant, 1868
Aerial voyages - mountain ranges of clouds beheld from the balloon L Entreprenant, piloted by M W de Fonville on his second ascent on 22nd March 1868 from La Villette, near Paris. Date: 1868

Battle of Fleurus, 26 June 1794. French under Jourdan defeated the Austrian army Josias von Saxe Coburg. In the sky is the French balloon l Entreprenant

Battle of Fleurus 26 June 1794, French Revolutionary Wars. Use of The Entreprenant as reconnaissance balloon the first use of a balloon in warfare, contributed to French victory. Prunt c1883

Jean-Marie Coutelle, Appointed Commander of Les Aerostiers, 1794. Below right, varnishing balloon at School of Military Ballooning, Meudon

Map, Battle of Fleurus
Map of the Battle of Fleurus - it was won by the French Army, with the first military use of a reconnaissance balloon. The hydrogen balloon L Entreprenant was used to pass messages to the ground

Battle of Fleurus with balloon
The Battle of Fleurus, won by the French Army, with the first military use of a reconnaissance balloon. The hydrogen balloon L Entreprenant was used to pass messages to the ground while the French

ENTREPRENANT - 1
The French " Entreprenant" balloon is used for reconnaissance purposes at the battle of Fleurus - the first use of manned airborne devices in warfare

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The balloon Entreprenant, a symbol of innovation and courage, played a pivotal role in the historic Battle of Fleurus. In 1794, under the skilled command of Coutelle, this magnificent flying vessel soared above the battlefield, providing a strategic advantage to the French forces. The transport from Mauberge to Charleroi showcased its versatility and mobility. In 1868, Fonville embarked on aerial voyages aboard L'Entreprenant, further demonstrating the enduring legacy of this remarkable invention. Its presence in battle was truly awe-inspiring as it enabled military commanders to gain an unprecedented bird's-eye view of their surroundings. The Battle of Fleurus on June 26th marked a significant turning point in the French Revolutionary Wars. With Entreprenant aiding them from above, Jourdan's troops emerged victorious against the Austrian army. This triumph solidified France's position and reshaped European history. Jean-Marie Coutelle's appointment as Commander of Les Aerostiers highlighted his exceptional skills and leadership qualities. His meticulous attention to detail is evident in images capturing him varnishing Entreprenant with utmost care. Maps depicting the Battle of Fleurus emphasize how crucial Entreprenant was in shaping strategic decisions during combat. Its presence allowed for accurate reconnaissance and effective coordination among French forces. This iconic balloon became synonymous with bravery and ingenuity throughout history - its image forever etched into our collective memory as it floated gracefully amidst chaos on that fateful day at Fleurus.