What is "ballons"

Usage examples of "ballons".

In the early hours of the morning, fkom the hills east of Caen, we saw the gigantic Allied armada, the fields littered with transport gliders and the numerous observation ballons over the landing fleet, with the help of which the heavy naval guns subjected us to precision fire.

And indeed an observant traveller will be led to think that a great deal of what may most truly be called civilisation has found its way in among the Ballons, whether it travelled thither by the new-fangled railways and imperial routes, or found its passage along the valley streams before imperial favours had been showered upon the district.