In this colorized version of a photo from 1916, we see an observation balloon used by German military in World War II. Although it's called a "sausage balloon" for obvious reasons, this item is technically a Parseval-Siegsfeld type balloon.
Photo of a German 'Sausage' balloon colored by Duriez.
World War I and II displayed mankind’s most depraved brutalities but also revealed its unbelievable ingenuity and bravery. Perhaps one of the most inconceivable aspects of the World Wars were the observation balloons. Essentially the forerunner of the Hindenburg forced into military action, these balloons became vital parts of the war effort for both sides.
Information Is Power
A ballon platoon over London in World War II. (Wearethemighty)
Floated high into the air, these sausage-looking balloons rose to over 5,000 feet on some occasions and provided crucial information on enemy troop positions and movements. With their vantage point high in the sky, observers relayed information via radio. Such was their importance that both sides spent considerable resources, protecting their own observation balloons as well as attacking the enemy’s.
Balloon Hunting
Pilots with the guts and talent to attack these balloons were called as balloon busters.
One might think, how hard would it be to shoot down a big blimp? Wouldn’t a single shot pop it like a circus balloon? Not exactly. Even in WWI balloons were constructed of tightly woven fabric. By WWII both sides used vulcanized rubber and Thiokol rubber, both highly durable. These floating devils of reconnaissance could take a number of shots before going down. They were also designed to leak rather than pop.
A Job For Pilots
Incendiary rounds worked like magic but required pilots to be 300 yards from an exploding balloon and still flying towards it in able to effectively shoot the balloons down. (wikipedia)
From the moment someone yelled, "The balloon's going up!" tension mounted as their flight almost always signaled an imminent bombardment. Such was the urgency that ground-bound artillery couldn’t be relied upon to take out the balloons. Every minute the balloons were up meant the enemy could strike upon your troops with deadly precision. That is exactly why entire legions of pilots concentrated almost exclusively on hunting observation balloons.
The Worst Job Ever
By World War II, the balloons lay lower in the sky in order to force enemy aircraft over 5,000 feet where anti-aircraft artillery was most effective.
On the flip side, the artillery observers who went up in the balloons completely understood the importance of their role and how the enemy would prioritize their demise by any means necessary. Can you imagine being suspended thousands of feet in the air with enemy pilots concentrating on bringing you down while artillery moved in place to shoot you out of the sky? Of course, as significant efforts come to bear, angling for your harrowing death, you’re supposed to be rapidly relaying indispensable information that could win the war. No pressure or anything.
Working In A Floating Bomb
Ballon operator ranked as the worst job in either World War, which is saying a lot. (RoyalAirForce)
Those poor souls working in the observation balloons during WWI really drew the short end of the stick. In those days the only gas widely available was hydrogen, which tends to explode, especially when fired upon with artillery. So not only were they dangling in the air like sitting ducks but they also possessed a bomb over their heads.
Leap Of Faith
Real time spotters in observational balloon baskets linked to the ground was essential. It enabled the artillery to take advantage of increasingly large guns with vastly longer ranges.
By WWII helium became the preferred gas thanks to its tendency not to explode in a ball of flame. However, that meant observers wore complicated parachute harnesses that potentially could save their lives if they needed to abandon ship from thousands of feet. James Allen Higgs Jr. described his terrifying leap of faith which happened four times during the war:
"We were wearing parachute harnesses with a rope attached to the shoot that was stuffed into a bag, hanging on the outside of the basket. Our weight would pull the shoots out of the bag. They were supposed to open when we dropped 300 feet. It takes nearly five seconds to fall 300 feet from a standing start. And that's an awful long time to wonder whether you're going to live or you're going to die. The parachute opened with a considerable jolt, but it was a really pleasant feeling." After each tortuous jump Higgs was given 48 hours of leave to gather himself before returning to his perilous perch in the sky.
Balloon Ace
Information is power and these unwieldy ballons were the best way to observe the enemy. (airandspace.si.edu)
Thanks to the artillery support and actual nets that hung from the sky to thwart enemy aircrafts, taking down observation balloons was no easy feat. Shooting down five balloons made you a “Ballon ace.” The number one balloon ace for America was a boisterous man named Frank Luke. After taking down a few balloons, he and his wingman 1st Lt. Joseph Wehner created their own division, specializing in popping balloons. Wehner died taking down his fifth balloon, earning ace status in death.
Real-life Maverick & Goose
Observational balloons were the favored targets of pilots who attacked from behind the clouds overhead.
When Wehner went down, Luke grew incredibly distraught and began flying increasingly dangerous missions. Despite his progressively audacious actions, Luke’s natural flying talents kept him alive. Eventually, higher-ups grounded the ace of aces after successfully taking down 11 German observation balloons. Undaunted, Luke stole a plane and left word to keep watch over the balloons over Meuse.
Courageously, Luke stormed enemy territory alone, taking on eight enemy fighters as he engaged enemy balloons. Eventually, he was shot down but survived the crash. Luke continued his rampage on the ground, killing the encroaching German forces with his pistol before succumbing to a bullet to the chest.
The image at the top of this post was colorized by Frederic Duriez, a French collector and colorizer of historical photos. You can see more of his work on his Flickr page.
