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Events

11 March 1915

By March 11, 2015May 22nd, 2023No Comments
A 'Drachen' type balloon is held steady aboard the SS Manica, as a spotter prepares to climb into the basket, Gallipoli 1915. Image courtesy Imperial War Museum.

A ‘Drachen’ type balloon is held steady aboard the SS Manica, as a spotter prepares to climb into the basket, Gallipoli 1915.
Image courtesy Imperial War Museum.

  • The Royal British Navy charters the cargo steamship SS Manica for conversion into a balloon ship. The first vessel of its kind, the Manica is modified to accommodate observation balloons to help direct fire towards the enemy. A long sloping deck and winch were added, along with a wireless telegraphy house and officer’s quarters. The vessel is later employed in the Dardanelles campaign.
  • Warships of the Royal British Navy warships begin a concerted blockade of Germany and its ports
  • The British auxiliary cruiser Bayona is torpedoed and sinks off the coast of Scotland. Captain HC Carr and the majority of his officers and crew perish.