Unsung heroes of World War I: the carrier pigeons

Today’s post comes from Garet Anderson-Lind from the National Archives History Office.

World War I was one of the first great wars during the industrial revolution. From the introduction of airplanes to the use of tanks and railway guns on the battlefield, soldiers had to contend not only with each other but with the productions of the factory floor. Even the recent invention of the telephone made its way into battlefield units, where soldiers used it to convey orders or direct artillery fire.

In a conflict of the size and duration of World War I, communication was key. Unfortunately, technology—like the telephone or the telegraph—was not as reliable as the commanders of Europe would have liked. In an attempt to improve combat communications, the leaders of World War I turned to a much older form of communication: the carrier pigeon.

Unsung heroes of World War I, the carrier pigeons of both the Allied and Central Powers helped assist their respective commanders with an accuracy and clarity unmatched by technology.

The National Archives has a vast collection of messages that these feathered fighters delivered for American soldiers. Using these messages and the history of the carrier pigeon in battle, we can look at what hardship these fearless fowls endured and how their actions saved American lives.

One of the most impressive things about the war records of the carrier pigeons was how widely the birds were used. Their service as battlefield messengers is their most known use, and the pigeons found homes in every branch of service.

The rudimentary airplanes of the embattled countries used pigeons to provide updates midair. Launched mid-mission, the birds would fly back to their coops and update ground commanders on what the pilots had observed. Quick updates like this were essential for leaders to know what the battlefield looked like and what the enemy was doing in its own trenches.

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. Without a radio set, the soldiers would have had to leave the relative safety of their tanks to relay or receive orders.

The birds’ most effective use was on the front line, as they were brought forward with their armies to help update commanders and planners in the rear. When the birds were away from their home lofts, they stayed in mobile units, which were usually converted horse carriages or even double-decker buses.

The mobile lofts were useful when the armies outpaced their established lines of communications or when the enemy disrupted communications lines for the telegraphs or telephones, as they often did during battle.

While the other Allied powers were first to use  birds, the United States did not lag far behind when we entered the fray. During the course of the war, many birds performed heroic deeds in the course of service and became heroes in their own rights.

One bird of renown was known as “President Wilson.” Born in France, President Wilson assisted both the American tank corps and U.S. infantry men in their fight against Germany. His most famous moment came when assisting the 78th Infantry near Grandpre during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.

Engaging the enemy on the morning of October 5, 1918, President Wilson’s unit released him to request artillery support. However, his flight was not an easy one. Seeing Wilson rise above the opposing lines, the German soldiers opened fire on him, peppering him with bullets. While he sustained numerous injuries, President Wilson was able to make his flight back to headquarters in record time—in under 25 minutes.

The pigeon known as Cher Ami also gained fame during World War I. Cher Ami’s moment of heroism came 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 the battle, the American artillery forces—attempting to shell the 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 gun fire, sustaining shots through the breast and leg. Despite these wounds, Cher Ami survived and was able to deliver the message, and the artillery stopped the friendly fire. For the bird’s service, the French government awarded Cher Ami the Croix de Guerre with Palm.

During the 100th anniversary of World War I, we take a moment to remember the lives lost and the sacrifices they made in the name of freedom. Without the actions of birds like Cher Ami and President Wilson, many more American soldiers would have died in World War I.

Visit the National Archives website for a full list of events, activities, and resources related to the 100th anniversary of World War I.