They Had No Choice/Pigeons at War

02-08-2008, 03:09 AM

The following is an extract from Garry McCafferty's book "They Had No Choice - Racing Pigeons at War".

P21
The majority of pigeons sent on service homed from Northern France, Belgium and southern Holland, but there were birds which brought messages from as far afield as the Bordeaux area in the west, the upper Rhone valley in the south, and northern Denmark to the east, a distance of just under 500 miles.

P41/44

Royal Canadian Air Force - Pigeon Manual - 1943

1. Training

In order to ensure the successful operation of this branch of the service, care should be exercised in choosing the personnel.

(a) In addition to qualifications required for enlistment to the Force, pigeoneers should be fully qualified to :

(1) Care for and feed pigeons properly
(2) Train and condition birds for racing
(3) Breed them successfully
(4) Instruct others in (1) (2) & (3)

Knowledge: they should have a thorough knowledge of the capabilities, limitations and habits of homing pigeons.

Personal traits: a Pigeoneer who is boisterous and of a turbulent nature tends to frighten and upset the pigeons, thereby reducing their effectiveness.

The successful Pigeoneer should possess:

(1) Dependability – Regular and prompt in carrying out all his duties.
(2) Kindness – In order to gain the confidence of the pigeons.
(3) Patience – Considerable time and repeated effort are necessary to properly train the birds.
(4) Neatness – To provide a sanitary and attractive loft for pigeons and keep a legible set of records.
(5) Thoroughness – Close attention to all details.
(6) Firmness – To enforce discipline in the handling of the pigeons.
(7) Power of accurate observation – Able to observe details readily and accurately in order to note and learn characteristics of individual pigeons in the loft.

2. Pigeon Training

All pigeons, except those specifically reserved for breeding purposes, undergo training continuously from the time they are hatched until the ages of 7 to 10 years. Pigeons can be trained for both day and night flying, but for the time being the RCAF will concentrate on day flying and the data contained herein on night flying is purely informative.

(a) The training of the pigeons begins in the nest compartment

(1) The first step in training the youngster is to teach it to understand that the can rattle means food. This training is continued during its stay in the breeding loft and during the early stages of the second step.

(2) Youngsters should be taken out of the nest boxes when they are from 3 to 4 weeks old and placed in the young bird loft. They should be placed in an open-ended basket on the floor and fed and watered there. It is quite probable that this basket will be their home for their first 7 to 10 days in the young bird loft. This procedure removes all fear of baskets from their mind and they will always regard a training basket as their second home.

(b) The second step is the training of the youngster to trap. It is essential that pigeons trap immediately from any flight, in order that messages carried by them can be delivered with the least possible delay.

When new birds are received which do not know how to trap, place a settling cage over the landing board and proceed with the new birds as with the youngsters above.

Begin the first trapping exercises in the morning after the loft has been cleaned, the next about 2pm and the third one hour before sunset. At the beginning of the 3rd day, teach the youngster to fly from the hand to the landing board and require them to trap as before. First hold the pigeons only a few feet away from the landing board; as they become stronger on the wing, gradually increase this distance until the point of launching is at the maximum distance from which the loft is still visible, not to exceed one mile.

Continue these trapping exercises three times daily for the first week. At the end of this period all the pigeons should have been trained to trap readily. In case there are one or more obstinate or unruly pigeons that do not trap quickly, place them in a nest compartment for a period of two feedings, allow them water but no food, and permit them to observe the other pigeons as they are being fed, then repeat the trapping exercises. This method will usually cure them.

Adjust the trap to allow entry but not exit from the loft. Always have a few grains for each pigeon returning from a liberation, as a reward.

(c ) On completion of training in (b) above, pigeons should be ready to receive intermediate training.

The birds should first receive a sufficient number of exercise flights, normally two per day until they can fly easily for periods from 40 to 60 minutes. If the birds are moulting, these training flights should not begin until the heaviest part of the moult is completed.

Birds should never be released through the trap for exercise,. Always release the birds through the window and see that they return through the trap.

Once training is started, it should be concentrated. Birds are given four or five training flights a week starting at three miles, with gradually increasing distances until at the end of one month they have flown 100 miles successfully. In each training flight, the first release at a new distance should be in a group and after that, single tosses.

Pigeons that have received this training are in proper physical condition and can now fly distances of from 150 to 200 miles.

After the pigeons are a year old they are mated for the first time. During this time, they are to be trained as in (c ) above and after working up to 100 mile flights they are ready for long distances up to 300 miles. Yearlings should not normally be flown over 300 miles. They are kept in condition by 40 to 60 mile flights twice a week.

The training of OBs is exactly the same as for yearlings, except that after the OBs have on (?) hundred mile flights they are ready for distances of five to six hundred miles. They are also kept in condition by 40 to 60 mile flights twice a week.

While pigeons are moulting, the amount of work is reduced. When a new shipment of homing pigeons is received at a loft, it is necessary to confine them in the loft to acquaint them with their new surroundings. In addition, they should be allowed to spend their time in the aviary or cage where they can observe and familiarise themselves with the surrounding countryside. During confinement, spend a great deal of time taming the new birds. Allow them their own section and permit individual birds to select their own perch. See that they are not disturbed and talk to them constantly in order that they may soon feel at home. In general, youngsters strong enough to fly should be confined about three days. OBs may require confinement up to 6 days to settle.

At the end of this period, the traps should be opened and the pigeons allowed to go out [note – out the window] on their own initiative. The best time for this first liberation is late in the afternoon, before the pigeons have had their last feed of the day. Dark or overcast days are ideal. After 20 to 30 minutes of liberation, the pigeons are called by the can rattle and givwen their evening food. On this liberation, do not drive the pigeons out of the loft . If they are driven out they will fly wildly and, without knowledge of the country, may lose themselves and fail to return. The normal young pigeon, on being permitted to go through the window for the very first time of its own free will, will perch on the landing board or loft roof and probably make a few short flights in the air, returning to the roof of the loft after each one, venturing farther and farther away in each succeeding flight.

On the second day of liberation, the window is to be opened at about noon and the pigeons are allowed to go out of their own free will, to remain outside for perhaps 30 minutes; then they are called in by the can rattle and given a very slight amount of food. Give them another flight of 30 minutes, terminating just before the evening feeding time.

On the third day, open the window before the pigeons are fed in the morning and allow them to go out of their own free will and fly around the loft for perhaps 30 minutes; after which call them in by the can rattle and give them the regular amount of food. About 4pm or 5pm, depending upon weather conditions, allow them another flight.

Never feed a pigeon anywhere except inside the loft. Never allow a pigeon to alight upon the ground, a tree or building; only the landing board or loft roof. After pigeons have been thoroughly settled and trained to a loft, do not allow them to remain an indefinite time on the roof of the loft; always call them in by the can rattle and give them a few grains of food.

Never send a pigeon in poor condition out for a flight; in the case of healthy pigeons , when taken out always liberate them and allow a flight home, reducing the distance if necessary. Never carry back a pigeon that is able to fly to the loft.

After the first moult, the young pigeons may be expected to show their first desire to mate. If it is not desired to let them mate at this time, the cock and hen pigeons should be separated and placed in separate compartments or lofts. The nest boxes should be closed.

When pigeons are mated, they are continued in training, even after eggs are laid. If the eggs are to be destroyed, both cock and hen may be taken out on the same practice flight. If the eggs are to be hatched and the squeakers developed, only one of the mates is sent out on any one flight, the other remaining in the nest. Incidentally, the homing tendency of the pigeon is heightened during the breeding season by his domestic desires, and his reliability is increased thereby.

Amazon.com: They Had No Choice: Racing Pigeons at War: Books: Garry McCafferty

02-08-2008, 03:22 AM

PIGEONS (AB)USED DURING WARS

One can always observe pigeons on pictures with Kamadeva, one of the oldest Hindu love gods. Christian religion tells the story of Noah who sent a pigeon 3 times to look for a dry piece of land.
Little pigeon statues were found, made 5000 years before our era. The statues have a striking resemblance to modern race pigeons.
Greek and Roman history writers quote pigeons. Pigeons informed the home front on victories and defeats of kings and generals.
Pigeons were the newsmen between Iraq and at that time Syria in the 12th century. Sultans built pigeon houses. Belgian and Dutch newspapers depended for a great deal on pigeons for their information.
Napoleon's defeat in the battle of "Waterloo" was reported to England by Nathan Rotschild's pigeons.
During World War I some actions were undertaken after that forces were informed by photos taken by military pigeons. German forces took possession of more than one million Belgian race pigeons.
A war memorial in Brussels reminds of the military pigeons and their fanciers who died during the war. There is also a war memorial in Lille(France) that reminds of the more then 20.000 military pigeons that were killed during the war.
Airplanes and war-ships were always accompanied by military pigeons. Military pigeons brought 717 tidings of crashed airplanes at sea. 95% of the military pigeons returned from their mission. All 72 pigeons returned to their destination during the offensive of Aisne-Marne. They brougth 78 important tidings. 442 pigeons were used during the offensive of Mense-Argonne, they brought 403 tidings. Many birds were badly injured. Some of the most famous military pigeons were Cher Ami, President Wilson, Big Tom, Colonel's Lady, Steady, Lord Adelaine, The Mocker and Spike.
"Cher Ami" was the last hope of a New-York battalion. Many pigeons were already killed. Cher Ami reached his loft although he was wounded very badly. He saved 194 lifes of the "Lost Battalion". Once in America, he became the mascot of the Departement of Service.
"The Mocker" was born in 1917. He was wounded on his 52nd mission. He lost his left eye and a part of his cranium. The Mocker died on the June 15, 1937.

"President Wilson" was injured and lost his paw on November 5, 1918. It seemed impossible that the bird could reach his destination, but he saved the lives of many surrounded American infantrymen. Wilson died on June 8, 1929.

"Spike" was born in Januari 1918. He flew 50 missions and was never injured. Spike died on April 11, 1935.
Many pigeons moved to America after the war. One of the most famous German pigeons was the "Kaiser". He was born in 1917 and was trained for special missions. The Kaiser was captured in 1918 by American forces in the battle of the Meuse. He was a very clever and beautiful bird and had many descendants who prouved their intelligence in the races. The Kaiser died when he was 32 (yes thirty-two) years old.
British and American museums are full of memories of our flying heroes. Pigeons were decorated and buried with military honour. Visitors can admire military pigeons with names as Lord Adelaide, President Wilson, Julius Ceasar, Lady Astor, Jungle Joe and Burma Queen. They were brave soldiers holding the rank of captain. There were more then 3000 soldiers and 150 officers of the United States Pigeon Service to take care of 54.000 military pigeons.
Some of those pigeons were trained to fly at night, they went together with the field-post, paratroopers and submarines and made pictures of the enemy's fleet, troops and targets for air attacks.
One of the most well-known military pigeons was GI Joe. He accomplished his missions in Italy. GI Joe was honoured in London by Lord Mayor with the Dickin Medal of Gallantry.
The Royal Canadian Air Force had two succesfully military pigeons, the "10601" and the "120". The 10601 was born in 1928 and flew it's missions mostly from submarines. He accomplished all his missions but was killed by a bird of prey.
The "120" flew from Sasaginigek Lakes in very bad circumstances and got struck by a radiowire.
Snow-White had a successful flight in Berlin during heavy bombardments. She flew from Hamburg to different lofts. Later on, she flew missions in Italy. Snow-White was honoured with the "Military Cross".
Ruhr-Express was dropped behind German lines and had to race for about 300 miles (480 km) to it's loft. Ruhr-Express brought important information.
Scotch-Lass was dropped with a secret agent in the Netherlands on the early morning of September 12, 1944. He reached England with 38 micro-photos although he was wounded.
One of the most famous English military pigeons was Mary, she was 22 times wounded. She flew during 5 years for the Allied Powers and was killed in action. Later on the body was found, covered with wounds.
It seems that the military pigeons of those days were stronger and had a greater tenacity then our modern race pigeons.The military pigeons had to accomplish their duty in the most difficult circumstances : bad weather, flying at night, different home lofts, shower of bullets ....
All pigeons (AB)used during the wars are heros. Pigeons are more trustworthy than modern technology. We can take them everywhere we go, they will always accomplish their duty. Animals never betray.
A complete list of pigeons awarded
"THE DICKEN MEDAL"
NEHU.40.NS.1 - Blue Cheq. Hen "Winkie"
MEPS.43.1263 - Red Cheq. Cock "George"
SURP.41.L.3089 - White Hen "White Vision"
NPS.41.NS.4230 - "Beachbomber"
NPS.42.31066 - Grizzle Cock "Gustav"
NPS.43.94451 - Dark Cheq. Cock "Paddy"
NURP.36.JH.190 - Dark Cheq. Hen "Kenley Lass"
NURP.38.EGU.242 - Red Cheq. Cock "Commando"
NPS.42.NS.44802 - Dark Cheq. Cock "Flying Dutchman"
NURP.40.GVIS.453- Blue Cock "Royal Blue"
NURP.41.A.2164 - "Dutch Coast"
NPS.41.NS.2862 - Blue Cock "Navy Blue"
NPS.42.NS.15125 - Mealy Cock "William of Orange"
NPS.43.29018 - Dark Cheq. Cock "Ruhr Express"
NPS.42.21610 - B.C. Hen "Scotch Lass"
NU.41.HQ.4373 - Blue Cock "Billy"
NURP.39.NRS.144 - Red Cock "Cologne"
NPS.42.36392 - "Maquis"
NPS.42.NS.7542 -
41.BA.2793 - "Broad Arrow"
NURP.39.SDS.39 - "All Alone"
NURP.37.CEN.335 - "Mercury"
NURP.38.BPC.6 -
DD.43.T.139 -
DDD.43.Q.879 -
NURP.41.SBC.219 - Cock "Duke of Normandy"
NURP.43.CC.2418 - B.C. Hen
NURP.40.WLE.249 - "Mary"
NURP.41.DHZ.56 - "Tommy"
42.WD.593 - "Princess"
USA.43.SC.6390 - "G.I. Joe"

PIGEONS IN THE WAR

02-08-2008, 06:35 AM

We definitly dont read about this in the text books. For shame!! Just to think the "wars' more than likely wouldnt turned out like they did. A big Salute to Bird of Peace! And also to the Windtalkers,too. Without either who knows what the outcome of any war would have been.

02-08-2008, 07:12 AM

I watched a special on this topic on either The History Channel or Discovery Channel about a year ago. What they said in the special is that the pigeons were used so many times to save so many lives that would have other wise been lost, that the Germans got wise to this and started their own bird program during the war. But it was Falcons and Hawks to kill the pigeons. It stated they also order every bird killed that was seen, pigeon or not... That was really sad. They said thousands and thousands of birds were killed by falcons/hawks, shot, gassed or mass poison!

Have you seen this or heard about it? Just wondering

02-08-2008, 04:10 PM

Yes your words are true, the Germans were killing all birds in an attempt to regain surpremecy during the war.
Generations of humans simply wouldn't be here today if not for the bird of peace.
These wonderful birds served faithfully during many human wars including the Iraq War.
They gave there lives so many could live.

Fewer than one in eight of the pigeons survived the missions
BBC NEWS | UK | England | Southern Counties | Pigeon's war medal up for auction

Pigeons are among the most maligned of all animals, often compared to cockroaches and rats. Pigeons deserve the same respect and affection that we give to our companion birds, such as parakeets, parrots, canaries and the rest.

Never in the history of Mankind has there ever been an animal that has saved so many human lives as that of the bird of peace, better known as the pigeon.
The Pigeon is Mankinds oldest feathered friend.

Throughout history, these flying heroes have been used in mankind's wars, yet they remain a symbol of peace.

02-08-2008, 06:32 PM

I have another comment, on the same show, they talked about the homing pigeons of war. And they were intrigued with how they "found" home. They did research on homing pigeons with radar and satellites. They found it interesting that he didn't follow a Known direction as thought, they followed the earths magnetic fields. Which is TOTALLY invisible to the human eye. And from homing pigeon research the bird world is now expanded. Thank you to the wonderful pigeons.

02-09-2008, 03:54 AM

Army Pigeons in World War I & II
Avian Allied Forces for the Australian, British and U.S. Armies

Army Pigeons in World War I & II: Avian Allied Forces for the Australian, British and U.S. Armies

02-09-2008, 03:55 AM

War-HERO Pigeon Paddy is Remembered
People for Pigeons: War-HERO Pigeon Paddy is Remembered

02-09-2008, 03:56 AM

ON WINGS OF WAR
Throughout history, these flying heroes have been used in mankind's wars, yet they remain a symbol of peace.
A thousand British ground troops, in World War II, rejoiced in their victory over an Italian village, only to learn that Allied planes were scheduled to bomb that same village within the hour. Fearing for their lives, they attempted to radio a message to the rear to cancel the mission. The radio failed. Heroically, GI Joe flew 20 miles in 20 minutes delivering the message just moments before warplanes were to take off, thus saving a thousand lives. GI Joe was a pigeon.
Throughout history, pigeons have been used as messengers. In the 12th century they delivered communication between Iraq and Syria, and reported, to England, Napoleon's defeat in the battle of Waterloo. In both world wars and the Korean war, military pigeons were carried on airplanes and warships. They flew with cameras to take pictures of the enemy, and delivered messages when damaged radios failed. They found their way from different lofts, through darkness, bad weather and showers of bullets, and 95% of them completed their missions even when badly wounded. Even the dove that Noah sent forth from the ark to bring back the message of dry land, is said to have been a European Rock Dove, which is the common pigeon we see in parks today.
During times of peace and prosperity, urban communities have complained of pigeons carrying diseases and soiling cars and sidewalks. The truth is that, according to veterinarians, they carry no more diseases than parakeets and canaries and it is doubtful that the 194 servicemen of Major Whittlesay's "Lost Battalion" complained when Cheri Ami reached his loft. The registered black check cock arrived, shot through the breast, with a message capsule dangling from his shattered leg. Due to this loyal bird's courage and determination, these soldiers were rescued, and safe behind American lines in a few short hours.
One stormy night during World War II, the Catalina Flying Boat was stranded in choppy waters, due to engine and radio failure. When the aircraft failed to reach its destination on time, searches were conducted, but severe weather conditions hindered them. Yet a beautiful bird named White Vision winged her way 60 miles into a 25 mph headwind, braving darkness and rough weather to descend through the clouds delivering information of their location. All 11 crew members were rescued.
Many more pigeons performed heroic feats during war times. Spike flew 50 missions and was never injured. Snow White successfully completed a mission in Berlin during heavy bombardment. The Mocker, a beautiful speckled pigeon flew 52 missions, wounded on the last one, losing his left eye and part of his cranium. A military pigeon named President Wilson continued his mission, wounded, and saved many American infantrymen. Scotch-Lass was dropped with a secret agent in the Netherlands in 1944. He accomplished his mission all the way to England, wounded, to deliver important micro-photos. Another English pigeon, Mary, was wounded 22 times in five years of flights and then was killed in action.
War memorials in Belgium and France stand in remembrance of military pigeons and their fanciers who gave their lives in war. Cher Ami was awarded the French "Croix de Guerre" with Palm. He died in 1919 and was inducted into the Racing Pigeon Hall of Fame in 1931 and received a gold medal from the Organized Bodies of American Racing Pigeon Fanciers. His body is to be displayed at the National Museum of American History in the Armed Forces History Hall. The Dickin Medal for Valor, a distinguished animal award, was bestowed upon 31 World War II pigeons, including GI Joe and White Vision.
Today, in remote areas, pigeons still make life-saving deliveries of medications. In cities they contribute a touch of nature. Their antics and cooing have a calming effect on spectators as they clean up waste and eat weed seeds. Mating for life, they are very affectionate and attentive to their mate and share the care of their young; quite a role model for society.
Throughout history, these flying heroes have been used in mankind's wars, yet they remain a symbol of peace.
ON WINGS OF WAR

02-09-2008, 04:03 AM

The pigeon that went to war
It is 1942 and bullets are flying, the wind is howling and an Allied operative sneaks vital information from behind German lines and all it takes is one false move to mean certain death.
But in July 1942 Tommy the pigeon, bred in Leyland, made it all the way back from Holland carrying vital information for the allied effort.

The heroic bird was given the PDSA Dickin Medal in 1946, which is the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.

This Thursday Tommy will be one of more than 60 decorated animals to be honoured at a ceremony to remember the vital role animals played in World War II.

It will also celebrate the re-opening of the Ilford Animal Cemetery, where many of them are buried.

Veteran military personnel who served with the courageous animals, will stage a march while a bugler plays the Last Post.

Current members of the Army and the Navy will also attend and there will be a pigeon flypast to commemorate the 32 birds to have received the medal.

Peter Bryant, general manager of the Royal Pigeon Racing Association believes the role of pigeons should not be underestimated.

He says: "There were 54 awards given and 32 were to pigeons – they had a big part to play in the war.

"They saved lives and brought back important messages from mainland Europe.

"Every bomber which left Britain took two pigeons so that if they crashed they would be released and a search party could be sent.

"They were also dropped for resistance workers in Europe to communicate and there were 250,000 pigeons used in World War II.

"Pigeons get a very bad press but these were pedigree racing pigeons.

"The pigeon fanciers rose to the challenge and played an important part in the victory – they excelled themselves."

In 1939 the National Pigeon Service was formed to organise the official involvement of racing pigeons in the war. To carry messages during the war pigeons had pouches attached to their legs or over their backs.

The birds were also dropped in parachutes to resistance workers in France, Holland and Belgium, to allow them to sneak vital messages back to the United Kingdom.

Aircraft bombers and reconnaissance planes kept pigeons in watertight containers, which meant even if the plane crashed into the sea, the birds had a chance of surviving and getting a message back home.

Brian Newson, 73, of Gorsey Lane, Banks, Southport, has been a member of the Royal Pigeon Racing Association for over 50 years and will attend Thursday's event.

He has studied the involvement of pigeons in World War II and says the pigeon should be held in higher esteem.

He says: "The involvement of pigeons in war goes back 2,000 years to the Roman times.

"During the war pigeons were protected but they are not now.
"People do not realise what pigeons have done over the years.

"They just think of feral birds on the Market Square in Preston.

"They played a vital role in the D-Day landings and a report from the officers said despite all the new technology, the only means of communication was the pigeon. They saved countless lives throughout the war."

Ilford Animal Cemetery has been restored after receiving a £50,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund's People's Millions.

Members of the Army and the Navy will attend as well as more than 100 dignitaries.

The humble pigeon is often branded as a 'flying rat' and a blight on the city centre but it is worth remembering they herald from fine wartime heroes like Tommy.

The pigeon that went to war - Lancashire Evening Post
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War declared on New York Pigeons
War declared on New York pigeons - MSN Video
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United States Military declares War on the Pigeon
U.S. Military Declares War On NYC Pigeons
NEW YORK (CBS/AP) ― The military recruiting station in Times Square is discouraging some visitors.

Flocks of pigeons sometimes outnumber potential recruits at the U.S. Armed Forces Recruiting Station. So the military has launched an offense to repel the pigeons that gather on the recruiting station's roof. So far, the military is not winning this air war.

The initial plan of using speakers to pump in disturbing noises -- the sounds of predators -- didn't work, perhaps because the birds are so used to noisy Times Square. A revised plan to add additional speakers didn't pan out.

The pigeons, which are often fed by passers-by, still rule the roost.

Leonardo Reis of LAR Industries, the Long Island-based contractor charged with chasing the pigeons away, asked "Why would you go anyplace else? There's free rent, free food and free heat from the subway grates."
wcbstv.com - U.S. Military Declares War On NYC Pigeons