16 – Ferrybarns Kite Balloon Station

After the Battle of Jutland, both Beatty and Jellicoe asked for Kite Balloon stations to support the battleship and battle cruiser squadrons, by increasing the range of vision ahead of the Fleet.

In June 1916 Admiral Jellicoe had asked for eleven balloons, one for each battle squadron and battle cruiser flagship, and two for use in the light cruiser squadrons.

On the 30th of September 1916 he increased his demands to twelve balloons of the latest ‘M’ type, complete with spares.

The proposal was approved on 13th of October 1916, and shore bases to house the balloons and to supply them ready-inflated to the ships as required, were begun at Scapa and North Queensferry.

The stations were completed early in 1917.

You can read more details about the Ferrybarns Kite Balloon Station HERE