Mail by pigeon

The romantic notion of sending mail by pigeon! While it's not a common practice today, it has a rich history and was once a popular method of communication.

Pigeon post, also known as homing pigeon post, was used extensively during times of war and peace to send messages over long distances. Here's how it worked:

  1. Trained pigeons: Specialized pigeons were trained to fly back to their loft, carrying a small message attached to their leg.
  2. Message preparation: The message was written on a small piece of paper, folded, and attached to the pigeon's leg using a tiny clip or string.
  3. Release: The pigeon was released at a designated location, and it would fly back to its loft, carrying the message.
  4. Retrieval: The pigeon would return to its loft, where the message would be retrieved and delivered to the intended recipient.

Pigeon post was used during various conflicts, including:

  1. World War I: Pigeons played a significant role in military communication, with over 100,000 pigeons used by the French and British armies.
  2. World War II: Pigeons continued to be used, with notable examples including Cher Ami, a pigeon that delivered crucial messages during the Battle of the Argonne Forest.
  3. Other conflicts: Pigeons were also used during the American Civil War, the Crimean War, and the Boer War.

Pigeon post had several advantages:

  1. Speed: Pigeons could fly faster than traditional messenger services, with some pigeons reaching speeds of up to 80 km/h (50 mph).
  2. Reliability: Pigeons were less susceptible to disruptions caused by enemy action, weather, or infrastructure damage.
  3. Security: Messages carried by pigeons were difficult to intercept or decode.

However, pigeon post also had its limitations:

  1. Weather: Inclement weather, such as heavy rain or strong winds, could hinder pigeon flight.
  2. Distance: Pigeons were not suitable for long-distance flights, as they required regular rest and food.
  3. Mortality rate: Pigeons were vulnerable to predators, disease, and accidents, which could result in message loss.

Today, while pigeon post is no longer a primary means of communication, it has been replaced by more modern technologies like email, text messaging, and social media. However, pigeon racing and pigeon keeping remain popular hobbies, and some enthusiasts continue to use pigeons for messaging and other purposes.