The establishment of the Pigeon service is detailed in official correspondence
as detailed here.
“Signal Corps. This was set forth in G.0 No. 31. A.E.F. February 16 1918.
and more specifically in Section III, G. 0. No. 152. A.E.F. September 10 1918.
which stated that
“the Chief Signal Officer, A.E.F. will exercise general supervision and control
of all radio operations in the A.E.F. Including those of the Artillery. Air Service,
Tank Corps and other special services.”
There had been a small radio intelligence detachment in the A.E.F. which had rendered valuable
service, but it was small in numbers, and experience had shown the desirability of increasing
this personnel. Accordingly on July 28, 1918. the War Department was requested (C.P. 46,
paragraph 1) to authorize the organization of an Army Radio Section for each army,
to consist of 9 officers and 337 soldiers.
This was approved by the War Department on August 22, 1918 (A 1862. paragraph 20).
(s) Cablegram A 478 paragraph 6. War Department, December 6. 1917, stated that
personnel, officers and men, for the Pigeon Service, had been authorized as follows:
Headquarters A.E.F. 17
Each army corps 9
Each division 14
As the character of the service in France would require divisions and corps frequently to
change their location it was considered that a pigeon service. which is essentially one
of locality, should not be a part of these units. In May 1918 (P 1131. paragraph 1 and
P 1181. paragraph 1) the view that the Pigeon Service should be an army institution so
that lofts could be assigned to sectors as needed was communicated to the War Department.
It was further recommended that pigeon companies be authorized at the rate of one per
army. The War Department approved the recommendation on June 30. 19 18 (A 1625. paragraph
12)."
A detailed break down of the Pigeon section, and how it fits in to the Signal Corps
service, as taken from Official AEF documentation is presented below.
FIELD BATTALION SIGNAL CORPS.
O = Officer; EM = Enlisted Men
|
(a) Divisional Signal Office
| 1 O 1 EM
|
(b) Headquarters and Supply Section, Signal Corps
| 2 O 27 EM
|
(c) Wire Company, Signal Corps
| 3 O 75 EM
|
(d) Radio Company, Signal Corps
| 3 O 75 EM
|
(e) Outpost Company, Signal Corps
| 5 O 280 EM
(f) Artillery Unit:
Brigade Detachment
| 2 O 17 EM
|
Reg.1 Detachment for each regiment
| 6 O 40 EM
|
(g) Infantry Unit (for each regiment
| 1 O 61 EM
| | | | | | | |
The above does not include men who are a part of companies, batteries of
battalions as signalers.
The duties of the above units must be understood and coordinated in order
to obtain the best results. The training of these signal units must be such as to
prepare each for the duties which it will perform. Their organization and equipment is
based upon a well considered plan for their use. A statement of the functions of the
various units is made in paragraph 3 and their training will conform thereto.
Duties of Signaling Units:
(a) Divisional Signal Officer.
This officer. being a member of the staff of the division commander, must
interest himself in everything that pertains to the lines of information within the
division. He is, therefore, concerned with the efficiency of all signalling detach-
ments and with the condition and amount of their signal supplies. He is the divisional
instructor and inspector of all signal units.
In the preparation of combat orders, he submits to the proper section of the
General Staff the plan relating to communications and will afterwards supervise the
execution, thereof. He is responsible that there is on hand at the division dump the
signal supplies needed by the division in executing the plans of the division commander.
He controls and co-ordinates the lines of information within the division sector in
accordance with instructions from higher authority. His relations to the General Staff
are as given in the Staff Manual.
(b) The Headquarters and Supply Section of the Signal Corps, Field
Battalion.
This unit performs the administrative functions for the Field Battalion.
It furnishes personnel for the divisional signal dump. It charges all
storage batteries used within the division and distributes them. For this purpose,
all signal units are supplied with two sets of storage batteries, one of which will be
in use while the other is being charged. It furnishes motorcycle despatch service to
higher commands and to depots. The Division Headquarters has its own motorcycle
orderlies for use within the division. It distributes the pigeons for use in the
division sector.
Infantry Signalling Unit.
For the purpose of trench warfare. the infantry regimental platoon is
strengthened by the addition of one (1) officer and sixty-five (65) soldiers of the Signal
Corps. As indicated in section (e) this platoon of Signal Corps will operate the regimental
telephone system, The regimental platoon must, therefore, be trained to operate:
Visual signals of all kinds.
French radio and earth telegraphy.
Messenger and pigeon services.
These systems are used when the telephone service is interrupted. As this
interruption usually occurs during combat, these auxiliary systems are very important
and must be carefully organized to fill the situation. The necessity for training of
the regimental platoon cannot be too strongly stated. In open warfare. the regimental
platoon must also operate the regimental telephone system.
Signal Corps Abbreviations for each Signal Corps section.
Radio Section = Rad. Sect., Sig.
Field Signal Battalion = F. Sig. Bn.
Telegraph Battalion = T. Bn.. Sig.
Pigeon Company = Pigeon Co.. Sig.
Meteorological Section = Met. Sect., Sig.
Photographic Laboratory = Photo. Lab.. Sig.
Signal Corps Depot = Sig. Depot
Purchasing Division = Purch. Div., Sig
Functions and Responsibilities Of the Signal Corps
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The complete responsibilities and functions of the Army signal corps are
detailed in official AEF records. It is therefore easy to see how the entire
Corps was made, up. There are some very interesting functions, such as
Photographic sections, and Meteorological sections, which would not
necessarily be part of the signal corps in today's army. Yet in 1918 these
very diverse disciplines together formed the huge service of US Army Signal
Corps.
SIGNAL CORPS
The Signal Corps supplied, installed, and operated the general service of telephone
and telegraphic communications throughout the Zone of the Armies, and from there
to the rear areas. At the front it handled radio, press, and intercept stations: provided
a radio network in the Zone of Advance: and also managed the meteorological, pigeon, and
general photographic services. Our communication system included a cable across the English Channel,
the erection of 4,000 kilometers of telephone and telegraph lines on our
own poles, and the successful operation of a system with 215,500 kilometers of lines.
To promote the efficient use of cargo tonnage the Administrative Section in December 1917.
made a study of all transport cargo manifests, copies of which were forwarded to G.H.Q
Statistics were compiled of the tonnage carried by various vessels on consecutive voyages,
and data we obtained which were valuable in checking tonnage figures on requisitions.
For example, information was secured concerning the nature and volume of bulky materials
requisitioned, and steps taken to avoid waste of cargo space, either by requiring better
packing or by arranging to obtain such supplies in European markets. In a number of
instances it was found that unnecessary supplies le. (.,sawdust for the Pigeon Service,
baled wood shavings for meat and ice plants. caskets, and boxes hooks) had been shipped,
and arrangements were made to bring about the cancellation of additional requests for
such material.
Functions
The functions of the Signal Corps, American Expeditionary Forces, are defined in
General Orders 8 and 25. G.H.Q, A.E.F, 1917, and in General Orders 30, 31, 48 and 152,
G.H.Q, A.E.F, 1918. The work of the Signal Corps, American Expeditionary Forces,
in the carrying out of these orders, had been divided in the main into two classes:
Construction, operation and maintenance of the general system of communication
by telegraph, telephone and radio in the services of supply
Communication by every practicable means, including carrier pigeons and visual signalling,
with and between the units of the fighting forces.
Pigeon Company
An army pigeon company was created by paragraph 1, Cablegram 1181-S
(War Dept. Table of Organization 348. June 18, 1918). The table authorized 9 officers
and 324 soldiers. All the personnel previously engaged in this service were incorporated
into the company, which served both the First and Second Armies, and after the Armistice
has supplied service to the Third Army. Owing to the special nature of this service the
personnel had to be very carefully selected from among civilian pigeon fanciers.
The personnel had charge of the pigeons in actual use as message carriers and also
carried on the breeding and training of pigeons behind the lines.
SIGNAL CORPS IN COMBAT: FUNCTIONS
The function of the signal corps in combat is the provision of wire and radio
command communication systems for armies, corps and divisions, the provision of
communication by all forms of visual signalling and by carrier pigeons, besides the
operation of earth telegraphy, listening stations and intercept stations .
It operates a meteorological service and is charged with the making of a photographic
record of operations.
The signal corps is responsible for the supply of signal material to its own
troops and to all combat organizations in which it is required, including the air
service, artillery, tank corps, chemical warfare service and antiaircraft artillery.
For this purpose it maintains army parks and corps and division dumps which are
supplied from signal corps depots in the services of supply.
The staff of each army, army corps and division includes a chief signal officer who
is responsible for the technical functioning of the signal corps in the command.
Each army, army corps and division has attached to it a field signal battalion.
Its functions in the division are given in General Orders No. 30, Section VII, G.H.Q,
A.E.F, February 15, 1918.
Two telegraph battalions are assigned to each army and one to each corps for the
construction and maintenance of wire lines.
The operation of listening stations, intelligence and control intercept stations,
and goniometric stations was carried on by a radio intelligence section until the
authorization of the radio section by the Commander-m-Chief on July 1. 1918. This
became the army radio section on the organization of the First Army. (G.0 152.
Section III, G.H.Q, A.E.F. Sept. 10 1918.) With the organization of the Second
Army the radio section base was established, absorbing the army radio section, and
supplying detachments to each army for the operation of the service.
The pigeon service was, in its final form, operated by an army pigeon company. Detachments
from this company operated with corps and divisions.
The meteorological section of the Signal Corps furnished data to the artillery,
air service, chemical warfare service, and to sound ranging units. Observation stations
were maintained by the personnel of this service in army and corps areas.
The photographic service supplied photographic detachments to armies, corps and
divisions for the record in moving and still pictures of all phases of activity in
preparation for and during combat.
Original Correspondences from Division to AEF HQ
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Accounts of the use of Pigeons by the 30Th Division National Guard, which was assigned
under British Army control as part of the 2nd Corps. This Division was the sister division
of the 27th NY National Guard, operating in the St Quentin Area.
30th Div. Gen.: File 353: Fldr. 36: Letter
Report on Phase B Training of 30th Division
30th DIVISION. A.E.F.
August 13, 1918.
From: Chief of Staff
To: Chief of Staff, American II Corps
Outlined problems in liaison and attack in which all means of liaison at hand were
employed have been held for each battalion. Some battalions have had two problems. Planes
were obtained for each problem and were communicated with by means of ground panels and
flares, also the T. Popham Code was used. Telephone, visual, pigeons, T. P. S., buzzer.
rockets and runners are used in all problems, One problem for each regiment (less one
battalion) reinforced by machine gun company - troops being actually used - has been held.
Two problems included in advance and attack, dispositions for consolidation and repulsing
counterattack. These problems are conducted by the British division commander, using a
number of umpires. Hostile machine guns were represented by beating of drums. British
troops were used to counterattack. The other two problems represented an advance which
involved an advance and deployment, clearing up of small enemy attachments of machine-gun
nests and occupation of the defensive line.
AEF Correspondence from the 28Th division PA NG
FIELD ORDERS 28th DMSION. A.E.F.
No. 27 Bois de Rognac. September 2, 1918.
Advance guards battalions will procure pigeons for the purpose of using this
means of communication with division headquarters.
Brigade and regimental commanders must cooperate in correcting one of the gravest
weaknesses of this division: the following points should be covered first in this training:
LIAISON
(a) Within the platoon,
(b) Prom platoon to company, and laterally with other platoons.
(c) Prom company to battalion. and laterally.
(d) Liaison with aeroplanes - panels, flares, etc.
Use of all means of liaison - visual lamps, dogs, pigeons, runners, cyclist. as well
as phones and buzzers. The visual lamp has been almost entirely neglected in this
division - it has a wide use in semi-open warfare.
By command of Major General LEWIS:
JOHN K. HERR,
Lieut. Col.. G.S.
Acting Chief of Staff.
"Owing to the rapidity of our advance, and the time it takes for pigeons to
get used to their new locations, very few will be available for work during the oper-
ations."
Pigeons and the U.S. First Army
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By the time of the Meuse Argonne Offensive, the Pigeon service was well established
within the AEF. Providing essential support services to both division and Corps commanders
in the field.
Operating with its assortment of men from both professional military and Civilian
backgrounds, the Pigeon service was just a small part of the huge AEF 1st Army. The
establishment of Pershings First Army, was the first time in history that the USA had
assembled sufficient men and materials to fight as a complete US supplied, manned and
supported Army on the world stage.
The First Army would soon enter combat in the St Mihel and the Meuse Argonne regions,
therefore relieving French troops from these sectors.
A daunting prospect as the Americans were assigned the hostile mountainous terrain
around Verdun. The US doctrine of mobile warfare would take a huge onslaught through
the forests of Argonne, before Pershings 1st Army could claim they had the Heines on the run.
Not only was the establishment of the 1st Army a military triumph in logistics and man power, but it could be defined as one of the pivotal moments in history when the USA turned from being an isolationist colony of the old world order, into one of the largest military powers in the world. The USA was now most definitely a world player, on the world stage.
Each and every Doughboy in the line, was supported by a contingent of Doughboys ten fold larger in the rear. Pay Clarks, Lumber men, Quartermasters, Cooks, Secretaries, Accountants, Rail road men , doctors, aviators, dieticians, statisticians etc etc…… all essential before the US could go into combat as a modern Army in the field. Of course the small contingents of Pigeoneers, did their bit in this massive undertaking to establish the foundations for a modern 20Th century Army.
Unit Designations of the Pigeon Sections of the First Army- Meuse Argonne.
Signal:
322d Field Signal Bn.
406th Telegraph Bn.
6 Mobile Pigeon Lofts
Troops in the Zone of the First Army:
CORPS TROOPS
I corps:
Pigeon Det. - 2 Mobile Lofts - La Ferte
LIAISON BY PIGEONS: The pigeon service now at the disposal of the corps will be
used for supplying pigeons to the divisions. Divisions will receive their allowance of
pigeons according to the corps plan.
By command of Major General Liggett:
H. A. DRUM.
Chief of Staff.
COMPOSITION DURING PERIOD OCT. 12, 1918 AND NOV. 11, 1918
Corps:
IVVIVII
for supply
French II Cl
French XVII.
Signal Corps:
Hq Det Rig Corps.116th F 81g Bn.Det of 310th F Rig Bn.
405th 40Qth, and 419th Tel Bns.Army Photo Sec 2.Army Radio Sec 2.
Photo Sea 37. Mobile (Rig) Machine shop.
Pigeon Lofts Stationary:
1, 6, 7, 9, 15, 16, 18, 23, 25, 26, 30, 81, and 33
Pigeon Lofts Mobile:
14, 17, 19, 21, 22, 23, and 33
COMPOSITION WHILE ON THE VESLE FRONT, AUG 7-17.1918
Signal Corps:
308th F 81 Bn
62d Tel Bn
Pigeon det (4 cotes)
French units:
III Corps el Co
XXXVIII Corps Radio Sec
Intercepted Intelligence reports
Intelligence reports of intercepted German orders, concerning the use of Pigeons
for the Meuse Argonne offensive. Interesting to note this intercepted communiqué,
which could be interpreted as a lack of resources on the German side.
All possible means of liaison between the battalions, regiments and with regimental
P. C. will be employed, except pigeons. Carrier pigeons are furnished front line
battalion for liaison with the division.
HERSCHEL TUPES,
Colonel,
372d Infantry. Imperial German Army.
Army Of Occupation- 3rd Army
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At the Armistice, it was not all over for the men of the Pigeon Service. Many went
on to serve in France and Germany well into the 1920's. Serving the Newly formed 3rd Army.
Army Of Occupation. Pigeon communication was still an essential part of the day to day
operations of the Army.
American Policy for Pigeons during the Army of Occupation- Third Army. 1919
Army Of Occupation
PIGEONS
The use of carrier-pigeons is forbidden. Owners of carrier-pigeons will make an
immediate report of their pigeon-totes to the military commander, with a list of the
marks of their pigeons. Pigeon-houses must be kept open day and night.
The above regulation was applicable primarily and solely to a state of war. As soon
as civilians were permitted to circulate between occupied and unoccupied Germany, any use
of pigeons to transmit information concerning the Allied armies was, in comparison, cumber-
some and superfluous. Such circulation was never prohibited, and in consequence. almost
as soon as the proclamation was posted throughout the American area, the prohibition be-
came a matter of no importance. Attempts by the Provost Marshal and the military police to
strictly enforce the order, would have been merely so much wasted effort, and were consequently abstained from. Throughout the whole period of military occupation, not a single
prosecution was conducted for violation of this ordinance. It may be stated, however, that
the pigeon-totes in the American area were almost empty, the vast majority of carrier-pig-
eons throughout Germany having been requisitioned during the war for the use of the armies
in the field. So slight was the interest of the civil population in this restrictive regulation that no appeal ever reached the Office of Civil Affairs from German sources for its
modification or revocation, even when the military authorities were perfectly willing to
have taken such a step.
Famous Pigeons - Cher~Ami
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The 77th Division, National Army, was organized at Camp Upton, Yaphank, N.Y. on August 25,
1917. It called itself the "Metropolitan Division" because its personnel came almost entirely
from New York City. A unit of twenty three thousand men it included Manhattan taxi drivers,
Bronx tailors, Brooklyn factory hands, Wall Street executives and first generation emigrants
wearing the icon of freedom.
On April 30, 1918 the 77th went ashore in France -- they were first Army division to reach
France. The 77th attained its greatest fame in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. During this
campaign soldiers of the "Lost Battalion", which consisted of elements of the 306th 307th
and 308th Infantry Battalions made their historic stand.
For three days, the unit repulsed repeated German attacks. The Germans sent a note urging
surrender. Major Charles S. Whittlesey, commander of the unit, replied "Come and get us."
An act for which he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Carrier pigeons were used by the Allies to communicate positions of units and to relay
messages to headquarters. The Lost Battalion was down to one pigeon, "Cher Ami". The unit
attached a note with its location to Cher Ami's leg and the pigeon flew into the smoke of
the battle. Despite losing a wing and a leg, Cher Ami made it to headquarters resulting in
allied troops rescuing the battalion. Of the 679 men in the battalion, only 252 survived.
They are honored today by the Lost Battalion Building in Rego Park, Queens NY.
The pigeon was credited with saving the unit. Cher Ami is now on display in the Smithsonian
Institute in Washington, D.C. During its 68 days in combat, the division fought in four
campaigns -- Baccarat, Oise Aisne, Aisne-Marne, and Meuse-Argonne. Official records show
no other American Division advanced closer to the German frontier than the front line of
the 77th. At the end of the campaign, the division counted 2,375 men killed or reported
missing and 7, 302 wounded.
"Cher Ami" was awarded the French "Croix de Guerre" with Palm for his heroic service
between the forts of Verdun. He died in 1919 as a result of his battle wounds. "Cher Ami"
was later inducted into the Racing Pigeon Hall of Fame in 1931 and received a gold medal
from the Organized Bodies of American Racing Pigeon Fanciers in recognition of his
extraordinary service during World War I.
US Military Pigeons in the Gulf
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Although it may seem strange to think that the humble Pigeon has any place in the modern
21st century Military forces, the recent events in Iraq have proven once more that the
services of the Pigeon are invaluable for the fighting man.
PIGEON Service: US Marines going into battle in Iraq will have state-of-the-art equipment
to warn them of chemical or biological attack -- but their first hint of danger may well
come from a pigeon, Reuters adds from Kuwait. The distribution of dozens of the birds to
Marine regiments in the Kuwaiti desert on Friday raised some laughter but also underlined
how seriously the U.S. Military is taking the threat of gas attack should it invade Iraq.
''They're an extra sensor,'' said Staff Sergeant Dan Wallace, who is responsible for all
precautions against nuclear, chemical and biological attack in his regiment. Pigeons are
more sensitive to nerve and chemical agents than humans. Just as canaries once warned miners
of the threat of explosive gas, the U.S. Military thinks pigeons may once again prove to be
the difference between life and death. ''I got sensors that cost $12,000 and birds that cost
$60 each and I place just as much trust in the bird as the sensor. Anything mechanical can
fail or give us wrong readings.'' Each bird came with a cage and a supply of bird seed.
The marines admitted they had little idea how to care for the birds, but said they would
be learning fast. ''We were supposed to get chickens but they died before they got here,
'' Wallace said. It was not clear if the US Army or British forces would also get pigeons,
which have a long history of helping man in war.
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