In 1915, the pigeon service became a special branch of Signals controlling 20,000 birds. The Canadian Corps used 100 pigeons a day in 1915. By 1916 mobile vehicle lofts came into use. In 1916 the telephone was providing primary front line communications. Lines had to be buried at least six feet deep, a labour intensive operation. Existing division and corps signal companies lacked the resources for this so a number of "lines of communication" units were formed.
Military Communications and Electronics Museum, http://www.c-and-e-museum.org/te_tp2.htm
Can you imagine using your dog or pet ferret to send a "text" message today? No way! Carrier pigeons once had to do the job that technology does today. It's intriguing that the animal kingdom came into play when technology was slowly picking up the pace. Apparently there was even one bird that ranked above all others; dodging bullets and flying all the way to contact help during the war. That's pretty awesome.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of the “Pigeon Service” before. It is very clever how lines of communication are made up when sources are limited. Freeing 100 pigeons a day to show need for help, makes the mind wonder how did they catch these pigeons to begin with? I assume this level of communication was not the easiest way; this is why they made lines for mobile communication. It is just amazing how our military has advanced in communication lines among themselves and even towards the outside world. There is a computer, cell phones, or walkie-talkies at arm length for communication. The level we have in today’s society to communicate with our military is a wonderful thing for the friends and family. Who would ever think there would be technology that would allow you to see and have a conversation with someone in another country at a drop of the hat! Technology is a sure pleasure for these people!
ReplyDeletePigeons were a major part of communication back in the day as well. Especially, in the World War. I always wonder how they would send the private messages through pigeons. I personally think that is risky, especially during war time. Things have certainly changed now days. i would send a message out through a pigeon even if they were well trained.
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