27/06/2026
PIGEONS DOING MILITARY SERVICE IN WORLD WAR I AND II
Using pigeons to carry messages across enemy lines during wartime was practiced
for 2000 years.
With the development of more advanced ways of communication, it was
discontinued in 1957.
It is estimated though that 250,000 pigeons were used over this period.
Apparently 95% of their missions were successful and because of this success rate
only 1% of the messages were encrypted.
When a battalion was stranded with low water supplies the pigeons were
given water first.
Animals showing exceptional bravery during these wars were given the Dicken
medal, the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.
It was awarded to 38 dogs, 32 pigeons,4 horses and 1 cat.
Probably the most famous pigeon of World War I was a bird called Cher Ami
meaning “dear friend”.
During service it was thought to be a hen but after her death when DNA testing became available it was discovered that she was a c**k.
He completed 12 missions successfully.
Many lives were saved by messages carried by this bird.
On his last mission he was wounded by enemy fire, but the message was delivered
with the message itself still hanging on a ligament of what remained of his leg.
He lost that leg, an eye and had extensive injuries to his breast muscles.
The message resulted in the rescue of 194 soldiers referred to as the “lost battalion.”
Army medics operated on him before he was shipped to the United States sleeping
in the cabin of the ships captain.
On June 13 ,1918 He unfortunately died of his injuries.
He is now on display in the Smithsonian museum in America.
He was awarded the Croix de Guerre (Animals in war and peace medal of bravery)
and was inducted into the Racing pigeon hall of fame.
Many people were saved by the bravery and dedication of these birds often
incorrectly referred as vermin or rats of the sky.
