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Series

Air Ministry: Balloon Command: Registered Files and Reports

Catalogue reference: AIR 13

What's it about?

AIR 13

Files relating to the organisation, equipment and operations of the Balloon Command, which used balloons to protect cities and key targets such as docks from air attack.

Full description and record details

Reference

AIR 13

Title
Air Ministry: Balloon Command: Registered Files and Reports
Date

1938-1945

Description

Files relating to the organisation, equipment and operations of the Balloon Command, which used balloons to protect cities and key targets such as docks from air attack.

Related material

A daily record of the activities of the Command can be found in its Operation Record Books which are in AIR 24/131-154.

Correspondence relating to the Works is in AIR 11

Held by
The National Archives, Kew
Legal status

Public Record(s)

Language

English

Creator(s)
Air Ministry, Balloon Command, 1938-1945
Physical description

149 file(s)

Administrative / biographical background

The Balloon Command was formed on 1 November 1938. It was administered by an Air Officer Commanding responsible to the Air Council for training and administration, although for operations and war training he reported to the Air Officer Commander in Chief Fighter Command. During the Second World War balloons protected cities and major towns, as well as what were designated 'vulnerable points', ports, docks and war production factories against attack by low flying aircraft. Balloon Command also formed squadrons for overseas service, which were deployed in most areas of operations. The Command was disbanded on 15 June 1945. Any remaining commitments were taken over by Fighter Command.

Record URL
https://beta.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/id/C2068/

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This record is held at The National Archives, Kew

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Within the department: AIR

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Air Ministry: Balloon Command: Registered Files and Reports