One of our observation balloons coming to earth after a morning's work peering over the lines

A returning observation balloon. A small army of men, dwarfed by the balloon, are controlling its descent with a multitude of ropes. There are a number of onlookers, including a man wearing a kilt. The basket attached to the balloon, with space for two people, can be seen sitting on the ground. Gas-filled balloons were used throughout the war, mainly for reconnaissance purposes. Attached to ca…