He’s about to take down his first German observation balloon. The Germans have been spying on the enemy using these Hydrogen filled balloons as a way to get vital information on troop movements.

Drawing depicting the use of a military balloon during the Boer War / F. W. Burton, nd. [c1899-1900]. Monochrome wash on pasteboard; image 36x52cm, board 38.5x54.5cm. Signed by artist, bl. Numbered in ...