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French Front messenger-pigeon service 1917
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French Front messenger-pigeon service 1917
Special mobil messenger-pigeon service lofts built on a motor-vehicle chassis were used in the Western Front during World War One. Also messenger-pigeons were found to be very useful on the Vosges Front, for despatch carrying between posts and station in rear of the trenches among the wooded hills.
1917
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Media ID 14379924
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Carrier Communication Despatch Homing Loft Messages Messenger Pigeon Pigeons Vosges Lofts
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the essence of the innovative French Front messenger-pigeon service during World War One. In 1917, as the conflict raged on the Western Front, the importance of effective communication between troops became increasingly crucial. The use of special mobil messenger-pigeon lofts built on motor-vehicle chassis revolutionized the way messages were transmitted between posts and stations, particularly in the wooded hills of the Vosges Front. The image shows a van, adorned with the French tricolor flag, which housed the pigeon loft. Inside, the wooden compartments were designed to accommodate the pigeons, providing them with a sense of security and familiarity. The pigeons were released from their compartments and sent on their missions, carrying messages in small baskets attached to their legs. Their natural homing instincts allowed them to navigate their way back to their lofts, ensuring the safe delivery of vital information. The success of the messenger-pigeon service on the Western Front was a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the military during this time. The birds played a crucial role in maintaining communication lines, particularly in areas where other methods, such as telephone and telegraph, were not feasible due to the destruction of infrastructure or the presence of enemy forces. The use of messenger-pigeons proved to be a valuable asset, enabling commanders to make informed decisions and coordinate their troops effectively. This photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the unique role that these birds played in the history of military communications during World War One.
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