The spotting tripods. When the British ships bombarded the German positions on the Belgian coast during the Great War of 1914-18; "spotting" the fall of shells was most important in order to ensure accuracy. Aircraft were shot down; and the ships were too far away for direct observation; so it was determined to use observation posts so small as not easily to be noticed. Iron tripods with searchlights for signalling were taken close to the coast at night; and dropped in the shallows with only the observers tiny platform above water. Although drifters were assigned to rescue the tripod crews if necessary; the work was; of course; extremely hazardous. Illustration for one of a set of 50 cigarette cards on the subject of Sea Adventure; issued by Hignett Brothers in 1939.