Pigeon loft on Western Front, France, WW1
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Pigeon loft on Western Front, France, WW1
A pigeon loft near the front lines on the Western Front in France during World War One. The pigeons were used for sending messages. Date: circa 1916
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14135600
© Mary Evans Picture Library/Pump Park Photography
Communication Ladder Lines Loft Messages Pigeon Pigeons Sandbags Sending
EDITORS COMMENTS
Amidst the chaos and destruction of the Western Front during World War One, a sense of order and connection endured through the humble pigeon loft. Circa 1916, in this evocative photograph from the Mary Evans Prints Online archive, we see soldiers tending to their precious charges, the homing pigeons, in a makeshift hut near the front lines in France. The pigeons were an essential component of the military communication network during this time, as they carried messages between commanders and troops, often traversing the treacherous battlefield terrain that was otherwise inaccessible. The pigeon loft, constructed from sandbags and camouflaged to blend in with the surroundings, is a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the soldiers. A ladder leans against the hut, allowing the men to access the upper levels where the pigeons were kept. The soldiers handle the birds with care, cradling them gently in their hands, preparing them for their perilous journeys. The image is a poignant reminder of the human spirit's resilience and adaptability, even in the face of unimaginable adversity. The pigeons, with their unwavering instincts and loyalty, played a crucial role in maintaining the lines of communication between the various units and commanders, ensuring that vital information reached its intended recipients. This photograph offers a unique glimpse into the wartime experiences of the soldiers on the Western Front, and the vital role that these birds played in the larger narrative of the Great War.
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