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Barrage balloon in Hazlehead Park, 1976
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Barrage balloon in Hazlehead Park, 1976

Historic Photographs
Thomas McGuigan
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Barrage balloon in Hazlehead Park, 1976
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Historic Photographs
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Barrage balloon in Hazlehead Park, 1976
The article 'Chill reminder of the past in air over Hazlehead' in the Press & Journal of 5th June 1976, page 9, indicates that this WWII style barrage balloon was brought to the Aberdeen park by paratroopers for the dual purpose of training exercises and a recruitment drive. The shown hydrogen filled balloon was a more modern version of those used during World War II.

The balloons were uncrewed defensive emplacements used to defend targets on the ground from aerial attacks. The steel cables attached to the balloon would severely damage any aircraft that ran into them, thus forcing them to avoid them by flying higher, where they would be more vulnerable to anti-aircraft guns. They were used by the British during WWII to defend against attacks from German dive bombers.
Hazlehead
Military
John A. Souter
PA01_02
Aberdeen Local Studies
Subjects
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