PART I.BALLOON OBSERVATION.
In this pamphlet will be laid down the general principles and also the limitations which govern observation from balloons. Balloon observation includes more than actual artillery observation. (See “Employment of Balloons.”)
The details of cooperation between balloons and artillery are issued from time to time by the General Staff in the form of pamphlets. Whatever the system ordered at the time, there are certain principles which do not change.
In artillery observation it can not be emphasized too strongly that success depends bothon—
1. The efficiency of the balloon observers, including an intimate knowledge of the ground within view.
2. An intimate knowledge by artillery commanders of the possibilities and limitations of balloon observation.
The limitations of balloon observationare—
1. Distance from the target.
2. Height of observer.
3. Visibility.
Distance from the target is inevitable, but can be lessened by advanced positions and winch tracks.During active operation it has sometimes been possible to approach balloons within 4,500 meters (4,921 yards) of the line.
The low height of the balloon compared with an aeroplane is a drawback, as it brings a question of dead ground and exaggerated perspective.
Visibility is the determining factor of the balloon’s usefulness. In very high winds, very misty or cloudy weather, observation is impossible, and owing to its stationary nature the balloon can not, by any special effort on the part of its observers, overcome unfavorable conditions in the same way as is possible in the case of aeroplane observation.
On the other hand, a balloon flying at a height of 1,500 meters (1,640 yards) and 7,000 meters (7,651 yards) from the line, under favorable weather conditions, combines in a marked degree many of the advantages of air and ground observation.
In the first place, glasses can be used. Secondly, the balloon observer can converse direct with the battery commander by telephone. Apart, therefore, from ease and certainty in reporting observations, the telephone system enables an elastic program of work to be drawn up and admits of personal conversation between the battery commander and the observer, often permitting mistakes or misunderstandings to be cleared up during shoot instead of afterwards.
Finally, owing to the continuous nature of his observation from the same spot, the balloon observer is able to learn his country in the greatest detail and can keep a close watch on suspected roads or areas of country.
The work of balloons is principally with the artillery, and close liaison between these two branches is indispensable if the best results are to be obtained. This close liaison should be promoted on the following lines:
(a) Balloon companies should each, as far as possible, be allotted specific artillery organizations. This facilitates telephone communication, prevents duplication of liaison work, and leads to a far more intimate and personal liaison than does any other method.
(b) Balloon observers must visit batteries frequently, and sometimes be attached for short periods. Shoots should be discussed, especially if unsuccessful. Observers should prepare and take with them when visiting batteries a list of targets which are clearly visible from the balloon and on which they can observe effectively. Similarly, artillery commanders should let balloon observers know of any further targets which they especially wish to engage, as work previously prepared on the ground saves time and gives better results.
(c) Artillery officers should visit the balloon and make ascents. They will thus become acquainted with the extent of view from the balloon and the ability and difficulties of the observers.
In view of the above, the work most suitable for balloons is as follows:
(a) Reporting modifications of enemy defensive organization; detecting movements of convoys andtrains. Their importance and itineraries, locating infantry signals, and all other activities such as revealed by fires, smokes, dust, trails, etc.
(b) Spotting active hostile batteries and reporting hostile shelling. Reporting hostile shelling is a duty for which balloons are especially suitable, as they are favorably situated to observe both the flash of the gun and the fall of the shell. From this information it is possible to direct not only neutralizing fire on the hostile battery, but often also to establish the caliber of the guns and the arc of fire of the battery.
(a) Observing fire for destruction on all targets, counterbattery, or bombardment.
(b) Reporting fleeting targets and observing fire on them.
(c) Observing for registration fire.
(d) Observing fire on the enemy’s communications.
(e) Cooperation with aeroplanes.