French Pigeon Trainer, Illustrated War News, WW1
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French Pigeon Trainer, Illustrated War News, WW1
A French pigeon trainer with his avian pupils during the First World War. Pigeons, possessing a natural homing instinct, were used extensively as messengers during the conflict. Date: 1917
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Media ID 14206050
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Communication Cote Homing Instinct Ladder Message Messages Messenger Messengers News Pigeon Pigeons Trainer
EDITORS COMMENTS
Amidst the chaos and destruction of the First World War, a French pigeon trainer stands steadfast, nurturing his avian charges with unwavering dedication. In this poignant image from 1917, captured by Illustrated War News, the trainer's intense focus is evident as he tends to his pigeons on a makeshift ladder. The birds, perched obediently on his arms and shoulders, are a testament to their extraordinary homing instinct, which made them invaluable messengers during the conflict. Pigeons were used extensively on the Western Front to transmit crucial information between military commanders and their troops. Their ability to fly through adversity, despite the hail of bullets and shells, made them a vital component of communication networks during a time when other means of communication were often disrupted or compromised. The trainer's role was crucial in ensuring the pigeons were well-conditioned, healthy, and ready to undertake their perilous missions. This evocative photograph offers a rare glimpse into the human-animal bond that existed during the First World War, as well as the innovative ways in which soldiers and civilians adapted to the challenges of the battlefield. The pigeons, with their unwavering loyalty and natural instincts, played a vital role in the war effort and remain an enduring symbol of courage and resilience.
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