British Barrage Balloon Usage

Even though most of the countries involved in World War II's governments were primarily concerned with their advancement on the battlefield, the home front was also a major concern. After attacks on London, Britain wanted to protect key targets such as industrial areas, port cities, and harbors. In 1938 the British Balloon Command, a Royal Air Force Command in charge of barrage balloon units, was established. Barrage balloons were large balloons tethered to the ground with steel cables. The balloons could be raised or lowered to reach a desired altitude. The main purpose of the balloons was to prevent low altitude flying of enemies such as dive bombers. The balloons forced enemy airships to fly at higher altitudes which decreased the amount of surprise on the attacks and decreased the accuracy of enemy bombing. The fact that the cables forced enemies into specific directions and altitudes, made ground defense on the attacks easier, as the enemy airships were more concentrated. 

Now the year is 1941 and there are over 1500 balloons scattering the British skyline. Initially, the addition of barrage balloons to the British defensive plan seemed useless and unproductive. They were a hassle to construct, and the amount of the balloons directly and entirely effects the efficiency of the balloons.In 1936 when there were only 450 balloons in command, the efficiency and effectiveness of the balloons was minimal. Now that the effort has been put in to increase the amount of the balloons and faster productivity, the balloons seem like a strong and logical way to defend against German air attacks. The British mentality of how to provide defense against air attacks includes using every viable weapon, fighters, anti-aircrafts, and balloons. The balloons seem to be a important part of the overall plan of defense and are effective. Even if some balloons are shot down or struck by lightening, every possible attempt at defense seems worth it. The effort has been put into creating a specific command to deal with them and their creation has been increased. Logistically, they seem worth it to keep building and setting up. 

As for the mental aspect of the balloons on both the people of the home front and the enemy, the balloons seem to provide a visible, concrete attempt at insuring the safety of the British people, as well as a visible, concrete barrier to the Germans. If the Germans know that there are huge cables and balloons controlling their airship activity over Britain, it will decrease the chance of them launching attacks. If the British people know that the government is putting in so much effort to not only fighting the enemy beyond borders, but also defending them, they will trust the authorities more, unifying the country and helping them to win the war.