RAF Balloon Command

Balloon Command
Active	1 November 1938–February 1945
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	Royal Air Force
Motto(s)	Vi Et Ictu (Latin: By Force and Impact).
Engagements	World War II

Balloon Command was the Royal Air Force command which was responsible for controlling all the United Kingdom-based barrage balloon units during World War II.

Prior to the establishment of Balloon Command, a balloon group was brought into being in 1937. This smaller formation was known as No. 30 (Balloon Barrage) Group and was commanded by Air Commodore John Hearson. Balloon Command itself was formed on 1 November 1938 at RAF Stanmore Park in Middlesex. It consisted of a headquarters and several groups. Balloon Command was disbanded in February 1945.

The following officers were in command:

Before the second world war the command had one group - No. 30 (Balloon) Group at four stations:

During World War II, the command had the following organization:

The command consisted of five groups which were in turn subdivided into balloon centres (equivalent to wings of heavier-than-air aircraft). The organization was as follows:

The dates indicated give the periods for which each group existed as part of Balloon Command. No. 30 and 31 groups also existed in World War I as part of different formations.

The balloon centres in turn consisted of balloon squadrons which were numbered from 900 to 994.

WAAF Barrage Balloon crews at RAF Cardington.

Restored Fordson Sussex Balloon Winch Tender

Rear view of Fordson Sussex on display at the RAF Museum Hendon.

Balloons over London.

RAF Cardington near Bedford was home to a large Balloon Command unit.

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