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The Number of Barrage Balloons Flown By Balloon Command During The War

The number of balloons flying during the war rose as the supply of balloons increased and the numbers of trained crews to 

maintain and fly them increased. 

In November 1939 there was an average of 560 balloons flying. In December 1939 there was an average of 626 balloons flying. 

As manufacture increased the numbers rose in the spring of 1940 and continued to rise throughout 1940. 

                                                            At the end of 1940 the numbers peaked with 1931 balloons being operational.

                                           Through 1941 the numbers of balloons flying continued to rise, leveling off towards the last quarter of the year.

                                                                 Through 1942 the numbers of balloons flying were between 2300 and 2100.

                                                         Through 1943 the numbers of balloons flying were relatively stable at values between 2300 and 2100.

The defensive use of balloons began to decrease in 1944 with numbers almost half that of 

1943.

By July 1944 the majority of balloons in the United Kingdom had been deflated and the 

balloons along with their crews had been moved to Kent to combat the threat of the V1 flying 

bombs.  The so-called “anti-Diver “barrage. 

Any spare balloons in storage were also moved to Kent.

This is shown by the red bars above.

By the end of September 1944 the majority of balloons used in the United Kingdom were

deflated and returned to storage. In 1947there was a decision to scrap many balloons some 

were sold off and turned into car covers, others were dumped down disused coalmines.

 

 

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