Kennington Oval
KENNINGTON OVAL: Balloon Launching Site
Military users: RFC/RAF (Royal Flying Corps / Royal Air Force)
Free Balloon Section
Location: Hmmmm? On the now famous cricket ground presumably? SE of Vauxhall Bridge
Period of operation: 1917 to 1918
NOTES: Considering the fact that the site of the ROYAL SURREY GARDENS was used for balloon ascents in the 1860s, (at least?), and is so close, it is tempting to imagine they might have been using part of this site? Set against this is the closure of the Gardens in 1877 and the tempestuous rate of development of land in central London for development for housing etc.
However, more research appears to reveal that this site was on the present day cricket ground, which of course was nowhere near as developed in those days with the stands etc. Plus of course, in those days with the 'Great War' at its height and the 'Zeppelin threat' ever present, the indulgence of attending cricket matches was much frowned upon.
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