Belgian seamen serve as Royal Navy ' Balloonists ' . The ' Roger Blonde ' a balloon delivery lifter drifter , is manned entirely by Belgian seamen who escaped from Belgium during the invsion of the low countries in May 1940 . Since their arrival in this country they have served in many capacities , and are now attached to the kite balloons section of the Royal Navy which delivers kite balloons to any merchant ships that require them . Seen here delivering a balloon to a merchant ship . 1943