Weather Balloons Cause Scare Rumours
Extraordinary rumours in Eastern English ,and Scottish coastal districts followed the discovery of a number of small balloons. They were harmless British meteorological balloons, but stories which had spread in various parts of the country had suggested that they were of enemy origin .and that they contained dangerous gas. At King’s Lynn (Norfolk) these stories led to the police issuing the following statement. — The enemy has dropped balloon toys which may contain gas, highly inflammable, and explode on being touched or handled by lines attached. Police and observer corps should be informed if any are found. The balloons are used for testing atmospheric conditions and occasionally they sink to the ground without bursting. They are harmless except that they contain hydrogen, and are therefore likely to explode if brought into contact with a naked flame.
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Bibliographic details
Northern Advocate, 26 April 1940, Page 8
Word Count
140Weather Balloons Cause Scare Rumours Northern Advocate, 26 April 1940, Page 8
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