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Pigeons for message-carrying WWI
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Pigeons for message-carrying WWI
Going going gone! During the First World War, homing pigeons were used extensively to transport messages back to their home coop behind the lines.
1917
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14346067
© Mary Evans Picture Library
Carrier Communication Homing Messages Messenger Pigeon Pigeons Releasing Sending
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> World War I and II
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Going, Going, Gone: The Unsung Heroes of WWI Communication - Homing Pigeons in Action, 1917 Amid the chaos and destruction of the First World War battlefields, a quiet and unassuming hero emerged: the homing pigeon. In this evocative image from 1917, captured by an unknown photographer and now available through Mary Evans Picture Library, we witness a British soldier releasing a messenger pigeon from a wicker basket. The pigeon, with its wings spread wide, readies itself for the arduous journey back to its home coop, carrying a vital message that could mean the difference between victory and defeat. The use of homing pigeons as messengers dates back to ancient civilizations, but their role in the First World War was more crucial than ever before. With communication lines often severed and the risk of interception high, these birds proved to be invaluable assets for both the Allied and Central Powers. Trained to fly back to their specific coops, they could cover great distances, often in adverse weather conditions, and could carry messages that weighed up to 1.5 ounces (43 grams). The process of sending a message via pigeon was meticulous. The message was tied to the bird's leg with a thin, elastic band, and a metal ring was attached to the other leg to help identify the bird upon its return. Once released, the pigeon would fly back to its coop, where it would be greeted by its handler, who would then deliver the message to the appropriate military personnel. This photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the incredible role homing pigeons played during the First World War, a testament to their unwavering loyalty and the vital role they played in the communication efforts of the British military.
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