War Pigeons

 

Every Sunday morning, as we pull into the bagel shop on our way to church, a familiar scene unfolds before us - 

The pigeons perched atop the roof coo softly, their melodic sounds filling the air. It almost feels as if they’re perched there, patiently waiting our arrival every Sunday. 

I don't dislike pigeons, as many people do. Their beautiful ombre feathers shimmer in the light, revealing a sweet charm that often goes unnoticed. I always talk to them, coo back to them as I walk into the store.  I used to raise white doves, so I speak their language...Sadly, pigeons are often seen as the ugly duckling compared to their elegant, peace-loving cousin, the dove.

I've always seen them as sweet, gentle creatures

Pigeons, once celebrated for their incredible ability to deliver messages during wartime, are fascinating creatures! Often called "rats with wings," they are highly intelligent animals with impressive problem-solving skills, with one Ohio study in 2023 even likening their capabilities to those of AI! 

As Veterans Day approaches on November 11, I feel compelled to spotlight a truly unsung hero of history: the war pigeon. These remarkable birds played a crucial role in wartime communication, delivering messages across enemy lines and showcasing incredible bravery. 

1. Cher Ami, meaning 'dear friend' in French, was a devoted pigeon who, in 1918, saved nearly 200 American soldiers trapped by enemy troops in France.

2. G.I. Joe, a war pigeon, made a 32-kilometer trip in 20 minutes to inform US Air Command and prevent a tragic bombing, saving up to 1,000 lives, including civilians and British troops. 

3. Mary of Exeter, a messenger pigeon, delivered secret messages between England and France in WW2. 

4. Mocker flew 52 missions in WW1 before he was wounded.

5.  Paddy was a key messenger pigeon in the D-Day operations of June 1944, with an impressive speed of 90 kilometers per hour (56 mph).

6. The war pigeon, Commando, played a vital role in World War II by completing 90 missions and delivering crucial intelligence for the Allies against the Nazis.

7. War Pigeon, President Wilson, served valiantly with the US Army during World War I. He was assigned to the Tank Corps to relay enemy positions, flying through enemy fire. Wilson lost his left leg and was shot in the chest but survived and lived until 1929. 

8. On February 23, 1942, during World War II, a damaged RAF bomber landed in the North Sea after returning from Norway, stranding four crew members. While rescue efforts failed to locate them, a carrier pigeon named Winkie was sent for help. He flew over 200 kilometers to Broughty Ferry, where his owner alerted RAF to pinpoint the bomber's location and rescue the men.

9. William of Orange was a war pigeon who saved over 2,000 lives during World War II. In September 1944, during the Battle of Arnhem, Allied forces faced communication issues as German troops surrounded them. British soldiers released William, who flew over 400 kilometers back to the UK with a crucial message, helping to resolve the crisis. After the war, he was retired by Sir William Smith of Cheshire and became known as the "grandfather of many outstanding pigeons."

Next time you see a pigeon, take a moment to appreciate them. These resilient birds have played important roles in history, often helping humans and saving lives. Let their noble past inspire you to value them today knowing what they are capable of. 

https://historic-times.com/pigeons-war-heroes/

 https://listverse.com/2016/07/05/10-heroic-wartime-pigeons/