Flammer

[stan]

Does a balloon have to b e a flamer to be classed as a victory? Or is it enough that it is shot full of holes, sags, sinks to the ground and does not go up again that day?

How would the Allies and Axis have considered this in "counts" and what is peoples opinions?

[Dolphin]

Stan

I suppose part of the answer is in Above the Trenches by Shores, Franks and Guest:

By 1918 only those balloons that burnt were regarded as destroyed. Sometimes in 1916-17, balloons that 'crumpled up and fell' (all the gas escaped but did not burn) have been regarded as destroyed, as were balloons last seen 'smoking'.

The authors go on to explain that Bishop, for one, claimed some deflated balloons, but they weren't included in his victory list. Sometimes deflated balloons were considered as unit, rather than individual, victories.

So, as far as the RFC, RNAS, RAF and AFC are concerned, it depends on when the claim was made. Whatever the result of the claim, attacking balloons was clearly a dangerous occupation.

I would opine that a damaged balloon is rather like a damaged aeroplane - in both cases some work will be required to get it back into service.

Regards

Gareth