Specialist (X) (PI) 2nd Class Marcelle Whiteman holds one of the 200 carrier pigeons based at NAS Santa Ana, California, circa June 1945. The birds were used to transmit communications from the air to the station when radio silence is in force. One of the occupations covered by the Specialist (X) rating was pigeon trainer (80-G-K-5489).
World War II
During World War II, the pigeon trainer rating was moved to a new rating designation known as Specialist (X) (PI). The specialist rating was created in late 1941 to allow for new enlisted ratings that were needed during wartime, but didn’t fall in the established rating structure.
In 1943, the rating opened up to Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES). They trained at the pigeon school at Naval Air Station Lakehurst, New Jersey. Requirements for women were the same as men—they should have experience working with birds or other animals and know how to drive a car in order to pick up pigeons that got lost during training sessions.
Naval Air Station Lakehurst was also the prime operating base of airships and dirigibles. During World War II, pigeons were routinely taken on airships and dirigibles conducting stateside antisubmarine patrols. They were used when radio silence was in force, or during radio failure. Every airship carried six crated pigeons. Typically, pigeons carried messages in black plastic capsules attached to one of their legs, but when an emergency message was sent, a red capsule was used.
The Specialist X pigeon trainer rating was phased out after World War II when the Navy returned to a peacetime rating structure. On 1 January 1948, pigeon trainers were transferred to the emergency service rating category. They were kept in the ranks until January 1961, at which point all exclusive emergency service ratings were disestablished.
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
