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From the Strand Magazine, Volume 1, January to June 1900

Extract from Pigeons as Messengers of War by A H Osman

The first extensive practical application of racing pigeons as messengers in time of war was when Paris was environed by the German army in 1870. Some time after communication had been cut off from the outer world a number of pigeon-fanciers came forward and offered to place the services of their birds at the disposal of the authorities for the purpose of obtaining communication. This was ridiculed for some time, but at last an eminent aeronaut who had volunteered to cross the Prussian lines in a balloon agreed to take a consignment of pigeons with him, and it was by means of these birds that the first news was brought to the beleaguered citizens of Paris.

Only those who have been in such an unfortunate position can imagine the welcome extended to the brave little pigeon messenger. Others followed, and by means of further balloons some of the pigeons which returned made journeys over the Prussian lines as many as a dozen times—in fact, a pigeon post was established from Tours. This post was recognised by the English postal authorities, and letters at the cost of half a franc a word were sent from Tours to Paris as fast as the pigeons could be got out by balloon and conveyed from the places where they descended to Tours.

The letters, which were limited to twenty words, were set up in type, micro-photographed on thin films of collodion, inclosed in small quills, and attached to one of the tail feathers of the bird.

So complete was this organization that it gave an immediate impetus to other countries to establish pigeon posts. As soon as peace was restored France set to work to establish a complete pigeon post throughout the country. Germany, too, was not slow to recognise the immense value that such an auxiliary means of communication might be, and at the present time nearly every large fortification in Germany has a well-established loft of pigeons under command. Russia, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, and Portugal all have their pigeon posts. The birds are regularly trained and kept ready for service. It is to be regretted that military lofts had not been established throughout South Africa during the time of peace, for such messengers would undoubtedly have proved invaluable in the case of Ladysmith, Kimberley, and Mafeking.

As it is, a few private fanciers placed their birds at the disposal of the authorities as in the case of the French fanciers in 1870, and it was by this means that the first tidings from our gallant troops who were confined in Ladysmith were received.

Mr. E. Lee, of Pietermaritzburg, was one of those who placed his birds at the disposal of the authorities. They were carried through to Ladysmith by an armoured train the day prior to communication being cut off; and the photograph of this gentleman and his bird is particularly interesting, as the bird depicted is the first to have been of service as a messenger of war to the English Government.


Mr Lee

It may be interesting to consider the speed at which pigeons could convey messages of war. Much depends on atmospheric conditions and the time of the year. In the summer time birds are endowed with greater endurance than at other periods, and on a warm, genial day can easily cover a speed of 1,320yds. per minute. With a strong breeze behind them they will fly at an even greater speed than this. As to distances, I am firmly convinced that in order to place complete reliance on the prompt return of a pigeon messenger too excessive distances must not be asked of them, but they are thoroughly reliable in fine weather from 50 to 150 miles.

It is most essential, however, that in making use of pigeons as messengers of war they should be kept in perfect health and condition, for a bird that is not well cannot be expected to face the elements and return to its loft. The question whether it is sight or instinct by which the messenger is guided has been frequently discussed. After many years’ practical experience with these little messengers I have come to the conclusion that sight and intelligence are the main factors guiding them to their homes, for the fact cannot be lost sight of that when sent on their journey in foggy weather, or at night, their faculties entirely fail them, whereas in the case of migratory birds guided by instinct, they fly by night as well as by day.

As showing the wonderful staying powers of these little messengers, I would refer to the performances of several racing pigeons during the past season. In the National Flying Club's race from Lerwick, Shetland Islands, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, who owns a racing stud, had a bird which covered the distance of 510 miles at a speed of 1,307 yards per minute; Mr. P, Clutterbuck’s bird, in the same race, flying at the rate of 1,298 yards per minute, covering a distance of 587 miles.