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.
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.
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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Revenge and refuge never go together.
Brielle Doyle cannot escape the bloodstains on her hands, not even in the
Ozarks. Resolved to catch a wagon train come spring, she secures a job caring
for the ailing, elderly patriarch of the Hoskin family.
But Zeke Hoskin hates outside interference. What kind of woman stares down the
barrel of his rifle and still barges into his family and his business? Her
meddling will upend his plans to gun down the family who killed his brothers.
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.
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)
I've never heard the story of Cher Ami. Love these forgotten bits of history.
ReplyDeleteSo do I. It's like finding a hidden treasure.
DeleteThank 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!
ReplyDeleteThank 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!
Delete