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WWI Watercolour RE Kite Balloon Menin Belgium 1915

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WWI Watercolour RE Kite Balloon Menin Belgium 1915 WWI Watercolour Royal Engineers %%alt5%% %%alt6%%
We are very pleased to be able to offer for sale this wonderful piece of WWI and Aviation history. This is an original Watercolour dated 1915 and entitled to the lower left hand corner RE Kite Balloon Sect. Ex Lydd School JM Menin 1915, as shown. It is also entitled Menin 1915 to the lower right corner. It depicts what is probably the Menin Road, Menin being the French for the Belgian town of Menen, with some snow on the ground. In the centre is a Cacquot balloon, a French design used by the British after giving up the use of round observation balloons.

The balloon was filled with flammable hydrogen gas and carried observers in wicker baskets hanging below, who, when the balloon was winched up high on its steel cable, was able to spot for the artillery, so although behind the lines, they were not situated too far away. Obviously the role of an observation was a very hazardous occupation, as enemy aircraft would dive down and fire at the balloons causing them to burst into flames. The life of an observer, who was normally an officer, although sometimes there was an Air Mechanic in the basket manning the telephone, was about two weeks. It was only by the middle of 1915, that parachutes were provide for observers.

Lydd in Kent, was the home of the Royal Engineers No. 2 Balloon School Testing and Artillery Observation from 1886 to 1914/16 and the School was located S/SW of the Lydd Garrison Camp. The Royal Flying Corps also had its Military Kite Balloon School at Lynn from 1916, but it was location NW of the Lydd Camp.

Each section had one balloon, a winch and gas tankers, and you can see a large lorry stopped at the side of the road, as well as what is probably the winch underneath the fins of the balloon. There are two more balloons of the same design, already much higher in the sky. Although not used in WWII for observation, a similar design of balloon, known as barrage balloons were much in use to protect cities from bombing.

To the left of the word Menin in the left hand corner are two initials which appear to be J M, now as to whether these are the initials of the artist, we do not know, or whether they have some other significance. Also above the Menin 1915 in the right hand corner are the initials A M, which may stand for Air Mechanic or again, may be the initials of the artist.

The painting has been newly mounted over the original to improve its appearance and newly framed in a 3cm gold/soft bronze frame to suit.

Image size: 10 7/8" x 7 5/8" - 27.6cm x 19.35cm

Frame size: 18 5/8" x 15 3/8" - 47.25cm x 39cm

Medium: Watercolours on paper.

Condition: Very good. There is no foxing or fading. The outer mount, frame, glass and backing board are new.
Price
£0  UK
$0.00  USA
0.00  EU
 The price has been listed in British Pounds.
Conversion rates as of 20/JUN/2024. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer.
 Sold. Sold prices are confidential so please don't ask.
 
Date 1915  1910s Antiques Material Paper Origin British Item code as237a1481 Status Sold

SellerStudio RT Ltd

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Studio RT LtdPrivate Art dealer
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Kent
England, UK

Tel : 01622 812556

Non UK callers : +44 1622 812556
 
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WWI Watercolour RE Kite Balloon Menin Belgium 1915
 
as237a1481
 


 
 






 

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