ballon

I don't want to seem ignorant, however I have my thought's of what it is exactly but what in the word is a "Nurse Balloon" ? o.O

Hi wolla1984, It is an interesting name, isn't it? I'm not an expert in World War I aircraft, but I did a little research, and I believe "nurse balloons" were hydrogen filled balloons that were tethered to the ground for observation purposes. I've been asking a few experts around here at the National Archives, and when I have more information I'll let you know. In the meantime, does anyone else out there know what exactly nurse balloons were used for in World War I? Let us know! Mary U.S. National Archives

Here's an update! I heard from Mitch Yockelson, an investigative archivist here at the National Archives, and he pointed me to a source about balloons in World War I. According to Eileen LeBow in A Grandstand Seat: The American Balloon Service in World War I, nurse balloons were used to carry extra gas for inflating other balloons. In a sense, they acted as a "nurse" to help other balloons (presumably the patients). Thanks Mitch for clarifying that for us! Mary U.S. National Archives

Great info, thanks to all.

Wiki en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barrage_balloon

Wiki en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barrage_balloon

Certainly shows how big these things were. My Mother told me we had lots tethered in a local park close to an industrial area which was very important for munitions manufacture in '39-'45.(Trafford Park Industrial Estate, Manchester , UK)

First :-D . This is a great capture. Great angle !! Nice..

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Social Documentary Photography & events, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.

wonderful shot.

Kind of cool photo but a little dark.

Inspiring.