The book shows a Swordfish beside Ark Royal's meteorological personnel in 1939. A rating releases a balloon while the meteorological officer prepares to track it. Its changing angle gives the team an indication of wind speed at different heights, rather than only at flight-deck level. The photograph makes visible the routine observation work that supported carrier aviation before an aircraft took off.
Notable Point · 2:38-3:10
Meteorological work aboard Ark Royal
A photograph of Ark Royal's weather team opens a concise explanation of how balloon observations supported carrier flight operations.