Item 04: John Duncan McRae diary, 6 May-18 September 1917 - Page 54

You are here

Transcription

[Page 54]

in correct battle formation we stormed an imaginary objective. No opposition being put up, we were completely successful.

Alan & I later went over to one of our observations balloons & made a thorough tour of inspection. The balloon itself is of the ordinary type with square basket suspended. An officer and a sergeant make the observations. Today it was 2,200 feet up, exerting an upwards pressure of 5 cmts. The most interesting part of the plant is the winding machinery below, which is mounted on a motor lorry and driven by a petrol motor specially designed for the purpose. A number of ropes hang from the sides of the balloon & when it descends the Tommies catch these & take their huge captive into a nest behind the trees. A Vickers' machine gun, mounted on a tall tripod is always kept in readiness below in case of aeroplane attach. Fritz was shelling one of these balloons very

This page has its status set to Completed and is no longer transcribable.