Page 19 - COLLAGE

Iowa. Because the river level could vary by as much as 22 feet, the track was laid on an

adjustable platform above the pontoons. This unique structure remained in use until the
railroad was abandoned in 1961, when it was removed.

The British Blanshard Pontoon stayed in British use until the late 1870s, when it was
replaced by the "Blood Pontoon". The Blood Pontoon returned to the open boat system,

which enabled use as boats when not needed as pontoons. Side carrying handles helped
transportation. The new pontoon proved strong enough to support loaded elephants and

siege guns as well as military traction engines.

2.5. EARLY 20th CENTURY

The British Blood Pontoon MkII, which took the original and cut it into two halves, was

still in use with the British Army in 1924.

The First World War saw developments on "trestles" to form the link between a river bank

and the pontoon bridge. Some infantry bridges in WW1 used any material available,
including petrol cans as flotation devices.

The Kapok Assault Bridge for infantry was developed for the British Army,
using kapok filled canvas float and timber foot walks. America created their own version.

Folding Boat Equipment was developed in 1928 and went through several versions until it
was used in WW2 to complement the Bailey Pontoon. It had a continuous canvas hinge

and could fold flat for storage and transportation. When assembled it could carry 15 men
and with two boats and some additional toppings it could transport a 3-ton truck. Further

upgrades during WW2 resulted in it moving to a Class 9 bridge.

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