About this episode

This episode explores the Balloon Corps and the dangers faced by its observers, highlighting the life of Basil Radford.

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the latest podcast! In today's episode, we look at the work and perils of the Balloon Corps. Vital for observation and artillery support, balloon work was one of the most dangerous jobs in the military, with a shockingly short life expectancy. We begin at Couin Military Cemetery, where a top hat and cane marked the grave of one of Edwardian theatre's most celebrated dandies (and also a balloon corps observer), Basil Radford, aka Gilbert the Filbert. We ...

People in this episode

Host: Matt Dixon

Topics covered

• Balloon Corps
• military history
• artillery support
• dangerous jobs
• Edwardian theatre

Keywords

• Balloon Corps
• military
• Basil Radford
• artillery
• observation
• Couin Military Cemetery

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Balloonatics

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