At ten weeks old, many of the birds headed to the trenches, carrying back messages over distances of about ten miles.
Then the United States entered the war, Blazich writes, the Army Signal Corps boasted cutting-edge technology and expertise. But it was also vulnerable to attacks that could take down its wires and lead to the interception of messages. When the Army’s chief signal officer, Col. Edgar A. Russel, met with British and French signal officers, he learned about an alternative technology—the homing pigeon.
According to a report prepared for Russel, the French had found that “Pigeons…can work regularly, and in spite of bombardments, dust, smoke or fog, can bring accurate details concerning the situation of the troops.”
The relationship between pigeons and humans goes back at least 5,000 years, and the birds—particularly the passenger variety—were once famously common in the United States. But, Blazich writes, the Army’s initial experiments with the use of pigeons in the forty years before World War I had had mixed results, including some unfortunate encounters with hawks.
Still, the meeting with European leaders persuaded the Army to try again. They found two men who had been breeding and working with pigeons since they were boys: David C. Buscall and John L. Carney. In October of 1917, Buscall, six noncommissioned officers, 800 pigeons, and a great deal of feed boarded the USS Agamemnon, headed for France. Breeding pairs produced more than 4,000 young birds by November 1918.
The birds began their training at five weeks old. At ten weeks, many of them headed to the trenches, carrying back messages over distances of about ten miles. Each pigeon had one of its primary flight feathers on the right wing stamped with “U.S.” and the number of its assigned loft. The operation also included backpacks capable of carrying four birds, along with message tubes, pencils, and a gas-proof cover.
Blazich writes that the Army trained pigeoneers to use the birds when other communication had broken down or would be too slow. Between August 29 and September 11, 1918, one mobile loft received seventy-eight important messages from the front. Unfortunately, during the initial field operations many of the pigeons succumbed to poor handling by troops who were unclear on how to treat them, or simply careless.
That fall, hundreds of pigeons served during the Battle of St. Mihiel and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. In one case, men trapped by German forces sent out a pigeon named Cher Ami, which completed its mission despite being wounded by enemy fire, helping rescuers find the survivors.
The Army initially planned to leave the pigeons behind in Europe after the war’s end. But, Blazich writes, Russel convinced his superiors to allow them to travel back to the US. There, many veteran pigeons were auctioned off for private use, allowing them to reintegrate into civilian life.
Thank you very much for your attention. the pigeons are beautiful and eat well. Im recommending your pigeons to my friends. I hope to buy more pigeons from you in the future. Thank you.
Arrived early and in perfect condition. I have 8 favorites.
The Alexander Hansenne is indeed a remarkable Racing Pigeon Strain. Dr Willaim Anderson in his book "The Sport of Racing Pigeons" 1947 writes extensively about this outstanding Fancier. I luck to have an original copy of the book. Need i say i myself have of the Bronze chequers in my stock loft Well wishes to you
Hello Dale, Donnie & Pam
Firstly, I would like to thank Dale for his persistence yesterday. Both
Linda and I were so sorry that your crossing was so difficult.
Originally, you texted me that you would wait for us---so of course we
would wait for you!!
We had a very pleasant return home with clear roads etc. But were
extremely tired and went to bed early!! I am extremely happy with the
selection of birds you sent even the replacement for 20512.
It was a pleasure dealing with the Zehr family. I spent time with the
birds in the garage last night and today speaking "Zehr Sion" to them.
Think they understood---at least until they learn "Trini Sion". Lol!!!
Thank you all once again.
Wishing you all and your families a very Happy Holiday Season!!!
Dave and Linda
The 3 birds arrived this morning in Aurora, Colorado safe and sound. Thanks. We'll do business again!!
Hello. We received the two boxes today with the four Hansenne pigeons. Arrived in excellent condition.
She is SOOOOO BEAUTIFUL! Thank you guys for looking out for me. Can’t say enough about how much I love the bird and birds you have sent me.
Thank you so much, i got the bird! He's so beautiful, pin tail apple body, nice wing :)
Hello there, My name is Mike and live in Az, I had racing pigeons when I was young and now Im not young haha 61, Semi retired and determined to move to a place where I can fly birds again, want to get my grandkids involved. Anyway as a kid I flew some Sions and really enjoyed your website. When Im ready would love to get a few Sions again and see how they do. Any advice for an old newbie? lol
Hey Donnie, Saw your Birds on Ipigeon and must say, those are some Beautiful Heitzmans. They are very true to what I called the real thing. Beautiful Hansennes as well. Take Care, Chuck
Hi
I have placed the pigeon recieved from you recently in a priority express shipment back to you in same box recieved. Bird was beautiful and healthy but we realized it’s nature is such that it needs to fly and be a racing pigeon. We can’t offer that life to it and realize it was a mistake to try this based on our situation
Bird has had not been outside and has been confined indoors in isolation since recieved.
Please give it the home it deserves.
Appreciate the care you took getting it to us!!!
Need some color on my team. Had some sion couple years ago when i had a partner who sick and could not care for his own birds. He liked sions so i bought some from you on pigeonauction.com. We alot of fun his sions against my team .He has since past on. His family called me and thanked me for letting fly with me he really looked forward race day. HE WON EVERY WEEK
Path: https://www.clayhavenfarms.com/pigeons/for-sale
