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Balloon Losses

In the run-up to D-day planning the Mediterranean Allied Coastal Air Force was asked to provide data on the wastage and loss of balloons during the campaign in North Africa, Sicily and Italy up to 15^th January 1944. 

In North Africa the balloons were flown by Nos. 981, 982, 985 and 977 Squadrons.  

           This revealed that in 20 months flying they had lost 870 balloons which averaged out at 43.5 per month per squadron.  

            This revealed that in 6 months flying they had lost 230 balloons which averaged out at 38.25 per month per squadron.  

   This revealed that in 15 months flying they had lost 430 balloons which averaged out at 28.25 per month per squadron. 

    Sadly this did not fill the D-day planners with confidence as it was considered that Normandy was much more fiercely defended. 

 Peter Garwood 2023

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