Friday, January 31, 2025

"We Also Serve": Feathered Heroes of the World Wars by Candace West

 

How many of you enjoy watching the British Antiques Roadshow? One of my favorite pastimes is to curl up in my recliner with a snack while the stories unfold. Each object carries me on an adventure.

One episode featured a stuffed pigeon under a glass dome. Sounds a little strange, right? However, this special bird had earned a World War II honor—the Dickin Medal.

My imagination and curiosity sparked. Let’s rewind now to World War I.


At the time, the telephone and telegraph were not reliable sources for relaying messages. Pigeons played an important part in the Allied war effort. These brave birds served in all branches of the service, improving battlefield communications. Flying above the battlelines, they hazarded their lives to save many soldiers.


Pilots launched them mid-air to relay ground conditions to their commanders. Also, they were sent between their lines to coordinate movements. Pigeons were even launched from tanks. They were the perfect shield for soldiers who might otherwise have been killed while relaying messages.

Though enemy snipers targeted them, they continued serving effectively in their missions. Many gave their lives while others suffered severe injuries.  

One of the most famous carrier pigeons of World War I is Cher Ami, whose name means “dear friend.” He served with distinction during the Mesue-Argonne offensive in October 1918. During the battle, German forces surrounded the American 77th division, cutting them from their supporting units for six days.

The American “Lost Battalion” sustained heavy losses while attempting to send messengers to report their position. The Germans also shot down two of their pigeons. Desperate and almost out of time, they dispatched Cher Ami. They attached a message in a canister on his right leg.

After opening fire on him, the Germans shot down Cher Ami, but the courageous bird took off once more. He successfully delivered the message despite being shot through the breast and blinded in one eye. He also lost his left leg. Yet he survived and was sent back to the United States for retirement.

The hero of the Lost Battalion sadly lived less than a year after his injuries. Visitors can now view him on display at the Smithsonian Institution.

Cher Ami

During World War II, carrier pigeons also bravely served and saved many lives. William of Orange is the most famous of these, whose actions saved over 2,000 Allied soldiers in the Battle of Arnhem. He was awarded the Dickin Medal.

In 1943, the Dickin Medal was designed to recognize courageous animals with the same level of honor as the Victorian Cross. In addition to pigeons, other animals such as dogs, horses, and a cat have earned the award in the years since its creation.

Inscribed on one side are the words, “For Gallantry. We also serve.” Immense heroism is bound up in those poignant words.

Have you ever heard of the Dickin Medal and the carrier pigeons of both world wars?

About Candace West:


A homeschooling mama by day and a historical romance writer whenever she can steal the time, Candace West writes hope-filled, redemptive stories that snag her characters from disaster to victory. In 2018, she published her debut novel Lane Steen. Since then, she has authored the Valley Creek Redemption and Windy Hollow series. She also belongs to The Mosaic Collection of authors. When she isn't crafting her next story, she divides her time between family and three bossy cats.


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At any cost, Zeke will not rest until he has carved their epitaphs, one by one.

Only Brielle stands in his way. Her divided loyalties demand answers Zeke has interred deep within himself. To dredge up old wounds might crumble the barricade around his heart.

Find out more


Sources: The National Archives

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dickin_Medal

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cher_Ami

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_Battalion_(World_War_I)

4 comments:

  1. I've never heard the story of Cher Ami. Love these forgotten bits of history.

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  2. Thank you for posting today. Is this your first time here? If yes, welcome! If no, I apologize for not remembering. I am amazed at the story of this little pigeon, and so surprised that he was able to fulfill his mission that day plus live for a while afterwards!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! Yes, this is my first blog for HHH. Debbie Costello graciously invited me to join. I'm thrilled to be a member of this community. Cher Ami's amazing survival after being shot down also surprised me. What a miracle!

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