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Overview
The first “air force” was founded by Napoleon Bonaparte. The American Civil, Franco-Prussian, and First World Wars saw extensive use of balloons, but it was during the Second World War that the balloon saw more new and imaginative uses. Barrage balloons helped prevent incursions by enemy aircraft and new, ingenious uses were found for balloons, including dropping bombs (as used by the Japanese against the USA), destroying enemy aircraft, espionage, and other clandestine operations. For the first time, all of the uses of balloons at war are contained in a single volume.
Synopsis
John, an expert on military balloons, explores their many uses, from Montgolfier's pioneering work through Napoleon's creation of the first balloon "air force" and the use of balloons in the American Civil War, the Franco-Prussian War, and WWI. There is special focus on the use of balloons for dropping bombs, destroying enemy aircraft, and espionage during WWII. Numerous b&w photos and historical illustrations are included. The book is distributed in the US by Trafalgar Square Publishing. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR