The Kaiser......................................

[george simon]

Most AMERICANS never heard of the pigeon named the Kaiser.Who was this bird,and why is he so importent? He was a captured German pigeon during World War 1.The Signal Corps adopted him,and he was used in their breeding program.But what makes this pigeon special, he sired over 100 childern ,during his life. This in it self is not very special.The thing that makes the KAISER special is ,he was hatched in the year 1917,as shown on his band,he died in October 1949. This makes him the oldest pigeon on record,33 years old.Just an old soldier!!At last report his mounted remains are in the National Museum in Washington DC. ::::::::::::::::More to come on the FORGOTTEN HERO'S OF WW1 AND WW2 GEORGE SIMONps.I just reaized that the KAISER served in the ARMY during 2 wars ww1 and ww2 this makes him the only pigeon to have served in both world wars.

[Skyeking]

Thanks for that interesting information, George. That was one healthy bird.

We are going to Washington this summer for my sons wedding, so I will put that museum on our list of museums to visit. I want to see Cher Ami also.

[Reti]

Wow, what a special pigeon.
Thanks for the info.

Reti

[Happy]

George, I knew a old Pigeon Signal Corps guy in racing Al Hendrickson that had a bird that was 29. It had cataratc's & couldn't see, but he had a special loft with a nice little hen that kept him company. This bird was the ONLY DAY bird from 600mi. in the San Fernando Valley Foothill Concourse from Klamath Falls, Oregon to Van Nuys, California that year in the 1950's. Don't know how much longer he lived?..... We had "at least" 10 guys from the Pigeon Signal Corps. in the 50's racing. I was lucky to have known them... Happy

[Feather]

Wow George,

That was very interesting. I can't wait for the next story.

Thank You,
Feather

[george simon]

I see that some one was asking about how old a pigeon can get. So I thought I would dust off this old thread on the oldest pigeon on record. GEORGE

[Maggie-NC]

George, thank you. This is another thread that shows how wonderful pigeons are. Look forward to the next installment.

[Feather]

Thanks for reminding us about the Kaiser. Wow! That was some bird!

[Victor]

Marine Gunnery Sergeant Simon~

Attennn-Shunnn! I salute you sir and looking forward also to more military history regarding our hero pigeons.

[Hillybean]

Wow, that's so awesome!

Thank you so much for the information.
-hilly

[george simon]

There was a question asked how old was the oldest pigeon when he died.Thought it would be a good time to bring this story up again,THE KAISER captured during World War1 (1917) died (1949) .GEORGE

[SkyofAngels]

Yes I read about this. I also read about Cher Ami, that was a sad story, that bird saved hundreds of lives flying across the field while being shot at, even had its leg shot off and still continued. AMAZING, now that is dedication. Not so sure I would have that courage. How can people say they are rats with wings. We are an ungrateful species.

[SkyofAngels]

Originally Posted by george simon

Most AMERICANS never heard of the pigeon named the Kaiser.Who was this bird,and why is he so importent? He was a captured German pigeon during World War 1.The Signal Corps adopted him,and he was used in their breeding program.But what makes this pigeon special, he sired over 100 childern ,during his life. This in it self is not very special.The thing that makes the KAISER special is ,he was hatched in the year 1917,as shown on his band,he died in October 1949. This makes him the oldest pigeon on record,33 years old.Just an old soldier!!At last report hismounted remains are in the National Museum in Washington DC. ::::::::::::::::More to come on the FORGOTTEN HERO'S OF WW1 AND WW2 GEORGE SIMONps.I just reaized that the KAISER served in the ARMY during 2 wars ww1 and ww2 this makes him the only pigeon to have served in both world wars.

Geez THAT must be expensive around the holidays. I go into debt buying for my TWO kids.

[Margarret]

George,

Thanks for posting the info about the Kaiser. I'd read about a couple of other famous pigeons of the Signal Corps, but not him. Enjoyed the reading.

Margaret

[george simon]

I Am Bumpping This Thread Up As There Was A Question On How Old Pigeons Live George