(new) Pigeons of War

[bigbird]

Pigeons of War

Pigeons have served during war time, probably in every war ever fought.
I would not be surprised to hear that they are being used to send messages
in Iraq, on both sides.
There are many instances where pigeons have been responsible for saving the lives
of fighting men during times of war.
I would like to invite all of you to participate in this tribute thread to Pigeons of War.
Tell us what you know about the history of pigeons in war.

Once we have had a go at this, I plan to launch a new section on Pigeons.com, it will be
Called “Pigeons of War”. Your participation in this thread, your stories and pictures (if any) will serve to strengthen this new section.

Regards,
Carl Gulledge
(Bigbird)

[AZWhitefeather]

Your pictures are magnificent Carl.
I like the idea of having a section dedicated to Pigeons of War.

Cindy

[alea]

although the only history I know of of this sort comes from DANO and FRED, I respond in applause and great appreciation. Maybe others from this site too,.. I can't tell you right now who all has fostered my "pigeon hero" images,.... but there have been others. Thanks for a great thread...
Pigeon people ROCK!!!!
=)
Alea

[alea]

Carl! U 2.... thanks again!!!!

[Nooti]

I read an article in a national newspaper only a couple of weeks ago about the use of pigeons during wartime and it seems some pigeons were used to infiltrate lofts in Germany - and then when they were chosen to send messages with secret information on for the Germans, they promptly flew home to England when they were released, thus England got to hear about some very secret German plans and were able to thwart them!
Not sure of the exact details but that's the gist of the story.

[brotherstwoloft]

hi everybody, the video marathon in the sky gives you a full section on the birds of war like g.i. joe and monime, two famous birds that recieved full honors and when they past on were mounted for display. the video also gives great detail of everything our brave birds have done for us during the wars.

[Nanci]

Carl,

I have some cool war pigeon photos, but I can't figure out how to attach them. When I click the attach image icon above the message block, I get some Java script thing, which doesn't make sense to me. If I scroll down and click "Manage attachments," nothing happens. I'm lost...

Nanci

[bigbird]

Go to manage attachments,
When the block opens upper left,
hit browse, locate the attachment on your computer,
hit upload. Wait a few seconds until the attachment is uploaded, then close block. Then send your thread.
Keep size under 500 pix max.
Should be giff, tif, jpeg.
Regards,
Carl

[Nooti]

You mean like this?

[Nooti]

And this??

[Nanci]

Thank you, Carl. I know what was wrong. When I'd click "Manage Attachments," nothing would happen. That's because there is a pop-up window to browse for attachments, and the Internet browswer I use, Fire Fox, blocks all pop-ups. So, (I am reading this at work) when I get home, I can tell the browser to allow pop-ups for your site, and it will work then. I can't believe I didn't catch on to that myself!

Nanci

[re lee]

Lets see cher ami was a ww2 hero right waseven wounded and still delivered its message saving I think over 100 lives. I met a person back in the seventies that the us army took over hisracing pigeons. Recorded there bands and said after the war any left would be returned. He said he got three back. the last i heard of pigeon use was forest rangers in some locations still used them in remote non radio areas. to get out messages. I think the war time use of racers are now beyond need The army disband the pigeon corp Was it in the ealy 70s Otto Meyer was on it Heard of Otto myer trentons.

[AZWhitefeather]

I believe Cher Ami served in WWI.

Here is an excerpt from an article I have about his heroic flight:

One homing pigeon was left - Cher Ami - the battalion's last hope. The final message read, "Our artillery is dropping a barrage on us. For heaven's sake stop it." This message was from Major Whittlesey's 'Lost Battalion' of the 77th Infantry Division that had been isolated from other Americal forces.
The men watched as Cher Ami was released. They saw him fly up, then suddenly he was shot down. Miraculously, in a moment's time Cher Ami was airborne once again. Hopes soared. But, as he flew over enemy fire, Cher Ami's leg was shot off & he had been hit in the chest. Though severely injured, this courageous pigeon continued to fly. When Cher Ami reached the US forces the message capsule was found dangling from the ligaments of the leg that had been shot.
A few hours after the message was received, 194 survivors of Major Whittlesey's battalion were safe behind American lines.

Very interesting story.

Cindy

[re lee]

I will stand corrected. Just remebered the bird from years back.

[FeatherBrain]

Hi,
I feel so stupid because I didnt save a clipping of the newspaper I read it in...and dont really remember the details. So Im afraid it isnt any good,
But i read in a local newspaper...that there were some countries (cant recall the names , so wont name any) who during WW, tried to use Pigeons as Biological n chemical weapons. The bio/chem sample was stored in a small capsule which was attached to the birds' leg. The bird was then supposed to be released in the target area.
I'll try to recheck the correct deatils and post them. But I read this in "The News" (a newspaper here)

Anyway, its so sad that ppl would use an innocent bird as carriers to harm innocent civilians.