1 Balloon Otdelenie (2)
Role: Observation

The second existence of 1 Balloon Otdelnie (platoon) began in late September 1915 when the single Aeroplane and Balloon Otdelenie was split into an Aeroplane Otdelenie and a Balloon Otdelenie. When Bulgaria entered the First World War it served under First Army command observing enemy troops movements along the Serbian front. By November 1915, worsening relations with Romania required the relocation of the Balloon Otdelenie to the Third Army on the north eastern border. From August 1916, it supported Third Army operations in the Southern Dobrudja campaign in eastern Romania.

In late September 1916 some personnel and equipment were transferred from the Balloon Otdelenie to create 2 Balloon Otdelenie, with the original unit redesignated 1 Balloon Otdelenie. In late September 1917 the unit disbanded, and its personnel distributed among 2 and 3 Balloon Otdelenie.

The commanding officer was Captain Yurdan Kazandjiev.

Air Bases:

Base	Duration
near Caribrod	Sept 1915 - 18 Oct 1915
Nis	19 Oct 1915 - Nov 1915
Ruse	Nov 1915 - Aug 1916
Tutrakan	5 Sept 1916
Kubadin	17 Sept 1916
Tulcea	Oct 1916 - May 1917
Isakcea	May 1917 - late Sept 1917

Aircraft Used:

Type	Qty	Service	Badge	Example Serials
'Solun' kite balloon	1	Sept 1915 - late Sept 1917

Unit Insignia:

Figure 1

References:

• Air Power of the Kingdom of Bulgaria Part II