Royal Engineers Balloon Section
1891/2 The Royal Engineers Balloon Section was formed as part of the Royal Engineers to operate balloons in the field. It was placed under the command of H. B. Jones. The School of Ballooning was moved to Stanhope Lines, Aldershot. The Balloon Equipment Store was incorporated into the unit. This was the first ever operational aircraft unit.
1894 November. The longest free run in a military balloon was achieved by H. B. Jones and H. C. Prichard in a flight of 152 miles from Aldershot to Louth.
1897 The name School of Ballooning was formalised on the 1st April, the unit was taken from the control of Aldershot Command, Colonel J. L. B. Templer was put in charge.