War Pigeons in World War I

During WWI,  before two way radios were available, messages were often sent by wired transmitter. However, when going into enemy territory, or covering rough terrain, lines could not be laid and in came the very important carrier pigeon.  Pigeons were transported in backpacks and even in tanks. and they carried their messages in tiny metal tubes tied to their leg or were fitted with cameras to spy on the enemy. War pigeons led very dangerous lives, the enemy often attempted to shoot them down in order to intercept and stop messages. Despite this the birds were highly effective and went on thousands of missions.

"The Mocker" was born in 1917, he took 52 trips before being wounded. On his final trip he lost his left eye and part of his head, but he made it anyway. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Croix de Guere. He died at the ripe old age of 20 (15 is a good age for a captive pigeon), and was the last of the pigeon war heroes to die.

In 1918 American forces were trapped in a small depression surrounded by Germans hiding in a ravine. They sent many pigeons to call for help but the 500 men were quickly falling under German fire, and only 200 men were left by the second day. When the Americans arrived that afternoon they began shelling the area where they thought the Germans were, little did they know they were dropping them right on their own people. The Major sent out their last carrier pigeon, Cher Ami, telling them to stop. As the remaining troops watched Cher Ami climb the Germans tried their hardest to shoot him down. Somehow the little bird escaped and flew 25 miles in 25 minutes and delivered his message. 

    "we are along the road parallel to 276.3" "our artillery is dropping a barrage directly on us" "for Heaven's sake, stop it."

 Cher Ami saved 194 lives and was awarded the Croix de Guere. He had been shot through the chest and through the leg, the mesage capsule was hanging by a few ligaments. He died a year later

In 1918, President Wilson the Pigeon was experienced at sending messages about artillery locations from tanks. When his unit came under attack he flew 25 miles in 25 minutes and where he delivered the call for backup. His left leg was completely shot off and he had a huge wound in his chest.

Kaiser was  born in 1917, a German pigeon captured by American Forces, Kaiser was a pigeon POW. Kaiser was enlisted in the carrier pigeon breeding program, he had more than 100 children who participated in both world wars. He lived to 33, he is the oldest pigeon on record and the only pigeon who participated in both world wars.