The Tragedy of 933 Barrage Balloon Squadron at Gosport 12th August 1940

Hi, I was at Ann's Hill Cemetery Gosport, taken pictures of the graves for the forum when I came across 9 RAF Men that all died on the same day.
Doing research when i got home I found out they all died together in an attack on Gosport which i never new about till now.

Click the link which will tell the story.
Tragic Loss of Life at 933 Barrage Balloon Squadron at Gosport 12th August 1940

This Link is to the Thread on Royal Air Force War Grave Photos for reference. were I put the pictures of the graves and names.
http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/war-grave-photographs/39034-royal-air-force-war-grave-photos-reference-123.html

 

I imagine family on my father's side, living in Southsea, would've known about this, but I don't remember it ever being mentioned by them. I also think that perhaps barrage balloon operators are a very much forgotten part of the war - the 'glamour' goes to airborne dogfights, big naval engagements, and possibly the desert theatre. The balloons were anything but glamorous, romantic, or probably something most young lads wanted to work with - in fact, it would be interesting in a slightly morbid way to find out if they helped to reduce attacks on targets or if they rather attracted them? My own family didn't think they were much use, to be honest - not that that opinion takes away at all from the tragic loss of these bright young fellows and the cruel blows to their families.

 

I also think that perhaps barrage balloon operators are a very much forgotten part of the war - the 'glamour' goes to airborne dogfights, big naval engagements, and possibly the desert theatre.

I think they have been in some way, but having a read through the link on the site and the other info on there it has made me want to look more into that area.

 

It's a great site - but better not sneak into it too late at night with the air-raid siren blasting off! (Or is it the 'all clear'?)