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Pigeon as Military observer 1914
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Pigeon as Military observer 1914
Miniature double camera with two lenses pointing in opposite directions was attached to the pigeon by harness to take automatic photographs at regular intervals over enermies ground.
1914
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Media ID 14379922
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Apparatus Camera Cuirass Double Harness Observer Photographic Pigeon Spying
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This intriguing photograph captures the unusual role of a pigeon as a military observer during the First World War in 1914. In an innovative approach to reconnaissance, a miniature double camera was attached to the pigeon using a harness, with two lenses pointing in opposite directions. The apparatus was designed to take automatic photographs at regular intervals as the bird flew over enemy ground. The pigeon, outfitted with the photographic equipment, wore a cuirass harness that protected its vital organs from the weight of the camera and ensured its safety during flight. The bird, with its keen senses and ability to navigate through the air, became an essential tool for gathering intelligence for the military. The use of animals in warfare was not uncommon during this era, but the application of photography to this purpose was a groundbreaking development. The photographs taken by the pigeon would provide valuable information to the military, helping them to plan their strategies and tactics against the enemy. This photograph is a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the military during the First World War. It also highlights the unique role that animals, particularly pigeons, played in the conflict, often in ways that defied conventional warfare practices.
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