German navy testing manned reconnaissance balloons according to the Dutch magazine Marineblad dated 1897-1898 no. 5

An item referred to the Army and Navy Journal reporting that at Kiel, Germany ballons-captifs were tested which balloons were to be used for reconnaissance purposes. Some of the balloons ware able to reach a height of 1.550 metres and were connected to the decks of torpedo boats steaming with a speed of 18 knots. The scouts were able to see ships on a far distance and their movements and informed the boats while using telegraphs or telephones. The tests were executed during two weeks with excellent results.