Birds of WWI

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Birds of WWI

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Although telephones and telegraphs were used in the war for communication, they weren't as reliable as the commanders would've liked.

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Although telephones and telegraphs were used in the war for communication, they weren't as reliable as the commanders would've liked.

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In an attempt to improve communications they decided to utilize us carrier pigeons.

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With the use of poisonous gases in warfare, canaries also became highly valued assets on the battlefield

Central

Both

Allied

Which side did carrier pigeons assist?

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Failed

planes; boats

front line trenches; advancing units

coordinate tank units; front lines

why am I here?

Pigeons were carried and used successfully in airfract and ships. They were most commonly used, thought, by the British Expeditionary Force to send messages from the ____________ or ____________. The Carrier Pigeon Service was managed by the Directorate of Army Signals.

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Pigeons were kept in either stationary or mobile lofts to which they would return with their messages. Stationary lofts were sometimes established in outbuildings, sheds or even the roofs of houses. In the field, wooden sheds were often specially constructed for this purpose. Mobile lofts (horse-drawn or motorised) were used wherever it was impossible to establish a stationary loft. Once the birds were accustomed to their mobile loft in a given position, the lofts could be moved forward or to the rear.

Pigeon Fact

and; most

and; all

but; only some

One of the most impressive things about the war records of the carrier pigeons was how much they were used. Their service as battlefield messengers is their most known use, ___ they found homes in ________ branches of service.

The birds' most effective use was on the front lines, as they were brought forward with their armies to help update commanders and planners in the rear.

Tanks carried the birds in order to relay the advance of individual units. Even after the introduction of the radio, pigeons were often the easiest way to help coordinate tank units without exposing the men to dangerous fire,

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Rudimentary airplanes of the embattled countries used pigeons to provide updates midair.

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It was discovered that pigeons had a wonderful sense of direction and could consistently find their way back to their nest. It was also possibly to train and "program" them to fly "home" from a range of different locations. The biggest trouble was the one-way trip for the birds (over land) before they could be released to fly home. It was found though that homing pigeons could be fed in one place, and deliver messages to the other. In this way, the birds could be coaxed to fly back and forth between two points, carrying messages to and fro.

Were not released less than half an hour before sunset, or before sunrise

Male and females were not released together.

Were only fed twice a day

The pigeons were handled and trained according to a strict routine. Which statement is false?

They weren't released during these times or when there were fogs as this would reduce their ability to navigate.

For obvious reason to be honest

Were actually only fed once per day

Were not released less than half an hour before sunset, or before sunrise

Male and females were not released together.

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Were only fed twice a day

The pigeons were handled and trained according to a strict routine. Which statement is false?

Click on portraits for more information!

"Cheri Ami"

"Presiden Wilson"

PIGEON HALL OF FAME

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Born in France, Wilson assisted both the American tank corps and US infranty men in their fight against Germany. His most famous moment came from assisting the 78th Infantry near Grandpre the Meause-Argonne Offensive. Engaging the enemy on the morning of October 5, 1918, President Wilson's unit released him to request artillery support. Seeing Wilson rise above the opposing lines, the German soldiers opened fire on him, peppering him with bullets. Though he sustained numerous injuries, President Wilson was able to make his flight back to headquarters in record time - in under 25 minutes.

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There is like only one image of him except him stuffed/dead T-T

The pigeon known as Cheri Ami also gained fame during WWI, with her moment of heroism during the actions of the so-called "Lost Battalion." During the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, the German army surrounded elements of the 77th Division, besieging them for five days. At one point during battle, American artillery forces, attempting to shell Germans, started firing on their own men. Unable to get previous messages through, Cher Ami was the last pigeon available to the Americans and the only way they could indicate to their artillery to stop firing. Released as their last hope, Cher Ami flew through a hail of gunfire, sustaining shots through the breast and leg. Despite these wounds, Cher Ami survived and was able to deliver the message. Artillery stopped friendly fire. For the bird's service, the French government awarded Cher Ami the Croix de Guerre with Palm.

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It was discovered that certain birds would start singing at certain time periods if there weren't much gases, but wouldn't sing if there was too much.

A device that could detect such gases was invented well before conditions got dangerous. It was a great scientific achievement!

Canaries would immediately show signs of distress in the presence of poison gases and die well before a human would begin to feel effects.

In the nineteenth century, coal mining developed into a vital industry, with new technologies allowing deeper and deeper mines. Miners were becoming more exposed to increasingly dangerous working environments and often feel victim to explosions and poisonous gass, making it essential to find ways to swiftly detect them in the air. What was soon discovered?

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Considered as a "cheap and sensitive warning device in warfare," canaries were used during the First World War. In context of the war, the escape of a canary could seriously undermine long-term efforts against the enemy. If a mining canary was discovered by opposing forces, it indicated the presence of a nearby mining operation and would mean "the undoign of the work of weeks." As a result, it became crucial to immediately shoot any bird that escaped.

"One considerate company commander kept a full record of his canaries. After a canary had been gassed three times, he classed it as "P.B.", and prommoted him to the headquarters dugout, where his only duty was to sing to the commanding officer." -war memoir from Gale's British Library Newspapers