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British observation balloon being launched, Arras, WW1
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British observation balloon being launched, Arras, WW1
A British observation balloon being launched at Arras, France, 5 September 1915, by Louis Dauphin (1885-1926). Date: 1915
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Media ID 14148507
© David Cohen Fine Art/Mary Evans Picture Library
Arras Balloon Dauphin Launched Launching Observation
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the moment of launch for a British observation balloon during the First World War, as seen through the lens of French photographer Louis Dauphin on 5 September 1915 in Arras, France. The image portrays a team of soldiers skillfully preparing for takeoff, with the large, spherical balloon tethered to the ground by a series of ropes and anchors. The basket suspended beneath the balloon is filled with observers, who will provide valuable intelligence to the British military by observing enemy positions from above. The use of observation balloons during wartime was a significant innovation in military strategy, allowing troops to gain a bird's-eye view of the battlefield and outmaneuver their opponents. However, these balloons were also vulnerable to enemy fire and required a dedicated team to ensure their safe ascent and descent. The scene is set against a backdrop of the devastating impact of war, with the destruction of buildings and trees in the distance, a stark reminder of the brutal conflict unfolding around them. The photograph offers a glimpse into the courage and determination of the soldiers involved in this crucial aspect of the war effort, as they braved the dangers of the battlefield to gain a vital advantage over the enemy. Louis Dauphin's photograph is an invaluable historical record of this pivotal moment in military history, providing a unique insight into the challenges and triumphs of the First World War.
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