Pigeons, winged warriors that helped Israel to victory 70 years ago
Lacking communication devices during the war, the Israeli forces relied on a clandestine network of 68 dovecots spread across the country, and ran ‘pigeoneer’ courses for soldiers, Ben Nun said.
Counting on the pigeons’ ability to return to their home dovecot, as armies have long done, the Israeli soldiers flew them from the heart of the battle - this time carrying messages written mostly in Morse code.
“It was the only way to communicate, to receive news of what’s going on with the troops - whether they succeeded or not, whether they were attacked, if they have wounded or dead, is there a need to send a vehicle to evacuate the wounded? It was all done through the pigeons,” said veteran military pigeoneer Shaul Sapir, 90, who still gets emotional when he reminisces about his birds.
“They were nurtured, so much that... a truck would be brought carrying food for the pigeons, when we remained very hungry.”
Extract from the Original article by Rinat Harash, from Reuters .
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The IDF has always been high-tech...
You make do with what you have. In this case the IDF fell back on pigeons that have served as winged warriors for decades.
Cher Ami the winged warrior that saved 200 American soldiers in WWI
Great story, good to see that they are investing in history and some of the birds are decendents of the original birds. Well done.
Ah yes Kav. The only bird I know about who holds the Croix de Guerre
Very cool stuff. I never knew any of this. High tech or low tech, what does the job, works. And if you think about it... which is the enemy going to shoot down first.. a drone, or a pigeon?
The code talkers of the bird world.
Does help. Of course, there were no drones in WWI but the German Army knew what pigeons were for (directing artillery), which is why Cher Ami only has one leg.
There is a mode in the game Battlefield 1 appropriately named, War Pigeons. Tough as hell, and sorta gives one a feel for how very important these warrior messengers actually were.
Pigeons have been used as winged messengers by various reasons for hundreds of years around the world. They are smart birds, fast, and quick learners, thus, they are easily trained and adaptable. And yes, they have played an essential part in wars over the years that have saved many lives. Some have even been injured in flight and still managed to get to their destination to deliver they message.
Many consider them to be annoying pests, but, many also appreciate them for what they are capable of doing when the need arises and/or the chips are down.
I enjoy them. I like the varied colors they come in and the cooing. They are actually doves, although most people don't realize that.
Very true. I have been watching a good many So Korean, Japanese and Chinese historical drama programs over the last few months and all countries were avid users of the pigeon messengers to communicate with their extended armies or allies hundreds of years ago. They also make great pets, and are good defenders as well.