Carrier Pigeons Raised for the Army

In a conflict of the size and duration of World War I, communication was key. Unfortunately, technology—like the telephone or the telegraph—was not as reliable as the commanders would have liked. In an attempt to improve combat communications, the leaders of World War I turned to a much older form of communication: the carrier pigeon.

The carrier pigeons of both the Allied and Central Powers helped assist their respective commanders with accuracy and clarity. Pigeons found homes in every branch of service. Airplane pilots used pigeons to provide updates midair. Tanks carried the birds in order to relay the advance of individual units.

However, the birds’ most effective use was on the front line as battlefield messengers, as they were brought forward with their armies to help update commanders and planners in the rear.