Saturday
In brilliant, balmy weather the International balloon races opened here this afternoon with a so-called destination race, in which the aim of the competitors is to land as near as possible to the given objective - a windmill on the Chaussee, in the vicinity of Schmaclemhagen, 38 kilometres North-East of Berlin. There were three British starters. The ascent was a notable spectacle. The cars bore their national colours, and several of them carried ladies. The balloons rose rapidly, headed straight for the goal, and quickly disappeared in the autumn haze. The balloons representing France, Austria, Hungary, and Belgium took part in the race.
Sunday
The Gordon Bennett Balloon Race, which started from Schmargendorf Gasworks at three o'clock this afternoon, was the occasion of a most thrilling accident. An American balloon almost immediately after the ascent fell from a height of 1,300 metres, in full view of a crowd of 80,000 persons but the occupants escaped unhurt.
The Irish Times
October 12th, 1908.