-

ROYAL AIR FORCE.

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PIGEON SERVICE MANUAL.

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Am MINISTItY,
June, 1919.

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LONDON:
I’UBLIB}iED BY HIS MAJF~sTrsSTAflON~RYOFFLCFL
To be purchaHed through any Book~eLloror dtrectly (rorn
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1919.
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 PIGEON SERVICE MANUAL.
1NTIIODIJOTION.
1. Unless one has been intimately in touch with pigeons, at one~
of the active Air Stations where a Pigeon Service has been estab—
lislied, their usefulness and vaiuo is not appreciated. That their
“ Service rendered “ has been of inestimable value there is no doubt,
and pilots and observers are to ho found everywhere who.owo the
saving of their lives to the agency of theso little winged heroes.
Heroes they are, for on occasions they have fought their way through
the most adverse u~eather conditions carrying messages which meant
everything to those wino liberated them.
2. It has therefore become necessary to issue a publication
explaining to some extent, their capabilities, management and use,
in so far as required by the Royal Air Force, for the guidance of
all concerned. This manual, therefore, is only intended to supply
information applicable specially to the use of pigeons from aircraft,
and not contained in the ordinary text books on the subject of
~ racing pigeons.
3. The pigeon used to-day for message service has been bred for
generations from selected parents, nil of whom havo established their
merits by henning from distances, in some cases as great as 500 or
~ 600 miles.
ç~. 4. In order to obtain time best possible results from pigeons cm-
ployed by the Royal Air Force, l’igeon experts with a thorough
, knowledge of the training and care of pigeons, are placed in charge
of time lofts. This is an assurance to pilots that only reliablo
~ pigeons are supplied to them.
5. Pilots and observers should be thoroughly conversant with the
handling of pigeons, and for this purpose instructional lofts have
been erected.
6. Experience has shown that pigeons to be used from Aircraft
requiro a special education for this class of work.
7. Although the Pigeon Service personnel is composed of experts,
tine training of pigeons from aircraft varies considerably. There-
fore, each man on entering the Servico is given a course of instruction
at one of the established centres ‘in tho management and maintenance
of a R.A.F. pigeon loft.
S. It has to be borne in mind that owing to the vagaries of tine
weather, the difFerence in the condition of the birds themselves, and
again the varying results obtained according to the season of tine
year, tim Pigeon Service generally is not intended to take the place
of any existing means of connnnunication, but to serve ns an
auxiliary.
9. The success of the service depends largely on cordial and
unselfi.sls co-operation. Unless officers commanding units arrange
that all necessary facilities for time training of birds are provided
for tine expert, 1 the pigeon will not be fit for tIme work it is called
upon to do. (T nde A.M.W.O. 624/1918.) As a rule pigeons are not
used until all other means of communication fail. l’hmerefore, their
nnessages in many cases hold time balance between life and dentin.
(6/19) (24510r.) Wt. 15053—417. 500. 8/19. D & S. G~2.
 CHAPTER I.
THE LOFT.
10. The accommodation provided for tine birds must be ample, since
pigeons will not tlnnive if kept in a crowded loft. Fourteen to
fifteen cubic feet of space should be reckoned to eacin bird. Thus a
loft 6 feet wide, 8 feet long, and 7 feet high would aeconnmodate 12
Pairs of old birds for bi’ceding purposes. This space will, in addition,
accomnmnodate an equal number ‘of young birds inmitil time latter are old
enough to be m’emnmoved to a new loft.
11. Each loft reqlmmres to lie installed with a trap, or traps, for tine
birds to enter, each trap being fitted with a small electrical apparatus
in order to notify tine arrival of a bird with its message.
12. The interior of time-loft must be light, well ventilated, and
should be fitted with a sufficient number of small perches to accoan—
modato tine whole of time innnates.
13. A standard loft requires, for 150 birds, at least one expert
nttendannt, wino should, in addition, he supplied with a fatigue nnan,
whom lie can instruct in tine handling of tine bird in case of mis own
absence.

CHAPTER II.
LOFT EQUIPMENT.
14. A standard loft containing 150 birds woimld require the following
personnel anti equipnnemnt : —-
(a) Personnel.
1 N.C.O. (pigeon expert).
1 Fatigue main.
(b) Equipment.
Peas, sacks ... ... ... ... ... ... 4
Grit, cwts. ... ... ... ... ... ... 2
Fountains, water ... ... ... ... ... 3
Hoppers, grit ... ... ... ... ... ... 3
Bath, pigeon ... ... ... ... ... ... 1
Brush, sweeping (hand) ... ... ... ... 1
Pail, iron galvanised (4 gals.) ... ... ... 1
Can, water toilet ... ... ... ... ... I
Shovel, fire ... ... ... ... ... ... 1
Scrapers, “ V “-shaped ... ... ... ... 1
Nest pans ... ... ... ... ... ... 60
Nest eggs ... ... ... ... ... ... 60
*Basketh, with troughs ‘~~,pattera

f Boxes, seaplane, pigeon ... ...

Carriers, message ... ... ... ... ... 20

Pads, message ... ... ... ... ... ... 10
Rings, celluloid ... ... ... ... ... 144
Insectide tins ... ... ... ... ... 4
* “ D “ pattern baskets are issued to stations equipped withn flying
boats in addition.
t lassie of pngeon boxes wnll be arranged according to number
and type of machines or airships on time establishments of the unit
served by tine pigeon loft. These boxes are now standardised.
 3
4 .. C
Winntmng lbs. ... ... ... ... ... ... 0
4Brushes for whiting ... . ... ... ... ... 1
Buns for sternnge of corn ... ... ~‘. 2
~ A little disinfecting fltmid should be added to whttmng solutmoil
before using.
Nors.—An extra fatigue man is needed for every rnddntnonal
50-100 birds.
15. Replacements of pigeons to keep tine loft mnp to requmsnte
strengths will be made by Pigeon Service, winen it is considered
necessary, and further stocks of pigeons become available at Pigeon
Service H.Q.

CHAPTER III.

SERIAL LOFT NUMBERS.

16. Each pigeon loft is given a serial ninmniber, with a rubber stamp
br its marking. All pigeons in tine loft are stannpod witin this
uunmber on three lomng flights of each winng. Messages are also
stannpod before being taken out oni patrol. In tine event of a bird
failing to reacin its loft it is then possible for tine air station to which
tine officer or other rank sending tine message beiomngs, to be
identified. Tine I’ostal Authorities have instrumetions to transmnnit sunchi
messages by telegraph ‘‘ smrgennt priority,’’ to tine Air Mimmistry, and
they will then be trannsnnitted from tine Air Ministry to time unit
concerned.

ChAPTER IV.

HOW TO TRAIN THE PIGEONS.

17. Pigeons imntemmded for use from a ILA.F. loft witim a Marine
Operational Unit should be given training by gradual stages along
tine coast inn both directions. After tine pigeon has becnn settled to
tine loft it should be traimned by distainces along time coast imn both
directions of 1, 2, 4, 6, and 10 miles, and tinerealter every 10 miles
up to as far as tine patrols reconnoitre, Si) tinat the birds will readily
l~onnefrom w’hnatever point they strike tine land.
18. At home it is generally possiblo to give tine pigeons tinoir
preliminary land traimning by rail, bunt if any difficulty is experienced,
arranngennemnt.s should be nnnde for mechanical transport.
19. Sea tosses follow, and here tine assistance of the local Naval
Authorities should be obtained, if possible. Sea tosses at dis-
tances of 5, 10, 15, and 20 miles sinouid be carried out. If it is not
possible to obtain sea transport, the birds should be taken for their
sea tosses by air, but the fact that the macmines cams omnly carry
a limited number is a drau’back to thus method.
20. Before beimng used for actual nnne.ssage work, pigeons should be
gnven several tosses from tine muir, and, if possible, at least one
toss, one at a time at intervals of about 10 minmnmtcs at tine
extrenne limit of time patrol.
21. It is importnnnnt that large nunmbers of pigeons simould not be
liberated for trmninimng in onne batch from one stage at time same tinno.
 4

Good pigeons are scarce, and the weatiner is always a clangor. Tlmo
largest number that sinounld be released at once is twenty.
22. In addition to tine birds taken on service, a secomnd box of
inirds sinould always be carried and released from the air for training.
23. Pigeons at an air station may have at some time or other the
lives of pilots and observers dependent unpon their wings, and umnless
the birds are properly traimned tiney cannot possibly be expected to
carry tine vital message hiome.

CHAPTER V.
FLYING AT NIGHT.

24. Pigeons have been trained to fly at iniglnt, but fo~~ enly com-
paratively short distances, and also in tine tuvihighut. Tinis latter is
of greatest vaiume, especially u-lien a pigeon Inas been released late
in tino evcnimng with a message of distress.
25. TIme trainimng must, how-ever, ho very carefully carried out,
commencing with iettinng tinem out of tine loft in time evening and
preventing them from setthinng on the loft by the waving of a flag
or sonne similar article.
26. This should commnence late in the aftermioomn amid gradunahly be
extended to later in tine evening.
27. The pigeons sinould then be given a few short tosses in
tine evening gradually extending towards tine dunsk, bunt every care
nnust be taken to ensure that time is givenn for tine pigeomns to get
home before absolunte darkness.

CHAPTER VI.
THE YOUNG PIGEON.

28. Pigeons, if well and liberally fed, will rear yoinng at nearly all
seasons of tine year, but tine best timne to select for mating tine birds
is about the middle of February. The cock and lien birds mmnst be
separated for about a montin before tlney are mated.
29. Eigint days after mating, the lien will lay her first egg; tinen
after an interval of a day tine second egg should be laid. The
young will hatch 17 days later. -

30. Botin cock and hen sit and rear time young, the cock covering
tine eggs from 11 n.m. to 3 p.m., and the berm sitting during the
remainder of tine day and nnghnt. It is important to note timis fact
in order to arrange tue birds’ training flights.
31. The young caim be removed from their parents at the end of
30 days, when, if they are well reared, they will be able to fly and
feed themselves.
32. As soon as the young are old enougin, they should be placed in
a separate loft. A few days later, when accustomed to perch, sleep,
and feed in tinis loft, they can be let out, but must riot be given
training flights until quite accustomed to the surroundings of their
mew imome. This requires from two or three weeks’ exercising flights.
33. TIme young pigeons, known as “ squneakers,” shnould be ready
for Service work winen three months old; at this age good strong
 5

young birds will be ready to accomplisin fliglnts of front 10 to 50 miles,

if they mayo beemn well traimned.
34. Training camn comnnenlce as soon as tine “ squeakers “ an-c
tinorouginly nnecustonsed to timeir hnomne, or loft, and mayo learned to
find it themselves and to retunra for food after taking exercise. The
moore freely pigeons fly w-lnon exercising about thneir memo, tine bettor
tineir eomnnlition will be, arid tino more speedily will they memo winen
flying back with a message.

CFIAPTER VII.
THE MESSAGE.
WRITING ThE MEsSAGE.

35. TIne nmnessage sinouid contain fully but briefly wlnat ‘is required.
it sinouhd alwnnys give tlit’ nanne of time statiomn to uvinicin tine mnnacinimne
belomngs or tine senial mnumnnber of tine pigeon loft, amid inn tine cases
of forced lamndimmgs comnvey tine fohlowmmng nmnformnnatiomi as far as
possible : —
(a) Caumse of landing.
(b) Nature of tm-ouble, and any usehnl information.
(e) l’ositiomn.
(d) ‘I’imne anti date.
In addit’mon.pigeomi mnes.sages are nnf inestnmabie volume in cases like
tine following:—
Dispatch of nun-umrgeint messages from airslnips.
Failure of W/T or emngimnes in am-ships.
Dispatch from aircraft of nncssages of a natume w’hnichi it is not
desired to send by wireless.
Rcconnaissamnce over large tracts of desert or ininabited eoumm try
by aeroplamne. -

They shosuld also ho of value on bug recomnnaissanco and rpintnct

patrols, as in tine event of a fomced lamndimng, tine meport can still be
forwarded and munch vahumable nmnformnmatiomm thins obtaimned. It would
also nrevemut airnmnemn being reported killed wino hmad lamnded in the
onenniv1 hines.
SENDING THE MEsSAGE.
30. TIme huamndling amid release of pigeons denmammds very little skill,
bunt a certain amnnoumnt of care on tine part of pilot or observer. The
bind, winea taken fronn time box or bnmsket, sinould be held gently bunt
firmly with tine timuimb across its back, tino first finger just umnder tine
vent, nmncl tine rennainuing three finngers resting cnn its breast, molding
tine legs between tine fnrst amid seconnul fingers. Tine fixing of tine miner
portionu of time message cmnrrmer will tinen be found to be a simmnple
mnatter. To release tine pigeon, tine bird shoumld be held as onno would
hold a stick, and then thrown, opening tine inamnd imnmmnediately so as not
to punli ount any feathers. (The mimetinods of release from different types
of aircraft are stated in another cinaptor.)
MESSAGE PAD.

37. Special message biocks (F.S. Ferns 197) made up ims pads for
‘25 messages with carbon interleaved, are provided, amid so arranged
 6

that perforated copies can be torn off, leaving one sineet in tine hook
as a record. When tine message is wn-itten it is folded up and placed
iii the
MESSAGE OARnSIEII.
38. This is of special desigmn (sea illustrations) amid made of
aluminiunni for iighntnoss. Tine message is placed in the smaller
receptacle, and that in turn is placed in tine harger receptacle.

CHAPTER VIII.
THE RELEASE FROM THE AIR.
39. Experinsonts carried out with a view to determinimmg time
simplest and safest methods of release of pigeons freins airsinips and
seapianes in flight have rendered the fohlow-ing results:—
40. Reports fromui various airship stations are practically inn agree—
nnent that time outward and downward throw is the most reliable.
But is must be remeinberod that a firm hold of tine bird is essential
to a strong throw either over tine side or aft. ‘A slight or weak throw
causes the bird to open its wings on too close proxinnity to the airsinip,
mind there is always damnger then of collision.
41. In many types of airships it is unnecessary to stop the engines
or oven reduce their revolutions, but in some, however, time forward
cimgino or the aft engine has to be slowed down. Ir~nnediately, the
pigeon is released, however, the engines are restarted to discourage
the pigeon from settling on tine envelope or other part of tine’
bndy, where it might find us temnporan-y perch.
42. Releases from seaplanes are very much alike. It is generally
a simplo toss into the air, ensuring that the bird is carried well
over the tail planes, and falls clear of tine machine. It is, however,
the piactice of sonne experienced observers to grasp tine bird in his
right Imand, tine thnumnb undernmeathn tine legs amid the four fingers over
its wings and back, amid then threw’ tue bird w-ell out at tine right
hand side of tine macininme at ann angIe of 20 degrees below the
horizontal. Experience ‘indicates thnat this latter is the best method
of releasing from senpianes or aeroplanes. Again, a firm and strong
hold are essential if tine pigeon is not to be blown ens to tine tail
planes.
CHAPTER IX.
PIGEONS ON SERVICE.
43. Not less than two birds are earr.ied for service purposes on
seaplanes and aeroplanes, and duplicate messages can be sent on these
two birds, or the second bird can be kept for a further message as
thought advisable. A duplicate of the original message should
always, however, be placed on the second pigeon. Birds should be
released at intervals, if possible of not less than ten minutes to
avoid flying together.
44. [1 one or both the service pigeons home without a message,
it. is a signal of distress, and search should ho misdo for the maclimo
taking out the bird or birds in question, but as there is no indication
of the position of the machine, senders shouuld only resort to this course
in cases of extreme necessity. It is of flmst importance, therefore,.
 N

F~’ta~ c%’~ -

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ROYAL Alit comics n’nonnos senuvics.

To 1,0 tnt,,, jnhIlic,tIla’,I to nearest
m’ost,m Teiegrn ti Oflice. ~j~-V~
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Showing correct method of writing message.

 1~ROM I~ATE f TIME LAT. LONG.

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Sn0YAL Alit Foitent liUI ON SERVIcE.

To no taken, iitmneiiatety I, neatest
mottO menegntpn, Once.
5.5 Forts msT.

Another example of how to write a message.

 9

that Service ~nmgeom1s sinould not under ordimnary circumnnstannces be

liberated witinout a nnessage.
-15. Uonmsiderablo success ntis attended tine use of hnomnnimng pigeons
liberated frommn tnireraft inn hlighnt.
46. Over distamnees m’angimng imomrn 20 to 30 mules in fimne weather erie
pigeon can always bc -relied mipomn to ronncln home with a mnuess:nge. Inn
bad uveather, or oven ~reatcr distannees, it is tuhvisahle tine mmnessage
should be sent in duplicate by two separate pigeons.

CHAPTER X.
LOI’T MANAGEMENT.
SENDING Binmis ON Sismnvica.
47. Tine pigeon I,ersomnnnei should be tinoroumginiv comiversant with
the comntt’mnts of this chmapter, winic’h slno’tnld be strictly carried onmt.
4S. Tine oimtside portiomi of time imnessage carrier sluoniid always be
clipped on the leg. Tine bird’s ca~mn be kept in thne loft with this
portion always attnnclned to their legs amid stiffer mno ill effects. Every
bird innnnst be accunstomned to wear this carrier befon-~it is sent cnn
service
49. TIne carrier simounld be fixed so that tine remnnovable cylimmder is
~ at the top Thus is imnportemnt. Care sinoumld be tekemm to s thnnt
~ the mnes~,nt.~e carriel- is fastemnoil seetnrehy, bunt not too tight so as so
U injunre the bird
50. \\‘hen a message is received is mnust immediately be hamuded
to time Ohhicer coinrnandimig tine unit.
51. When births are issued for service work, the ring mnunmbers
should he centered iii I~artII. of the Pigeomn Lug (I’.S. Formmn 279) amnnl
the mnnnimte on nnummnnber of aircraft taking them also entered. Thnis muist
always be done, ~o tihat in the ovemit of mi bird hominng with a nuossnn”e
winich does not state who despatchned it, these details can bo astor-
taimued immnmcdiateiy -
52. Every message on the message pad must be stamped witim the
number otis nip conts ininng the air pigeons loft nm’tnmnbt’r, before issuied
to aircraft. ‘linis will enable the Air Station, from whmich these
innossages emanate, to be ascertained at once imm tine event of any
pigeoli cnmn’ryimng imnessages going :ns’tm’nv nnnd failing to reach thnnm’
own loft

CHAPTER XT.
FEEDING.
53. A ~imfflciemntdaily ration for birds in’akimng trufimning flights ms
1.~ ox, per head per day. Whom possible, omne-third of tinis fooui
should be given imu the morning semi after daybreak, munnd two-
tinirds iii tine afternoon. Many of the chief ailments in pigeons art’
due to over-feeding and want of sumflieient exercise. In the breeding
season tine r;ntion will need to be increased by one-tinird.
154. Pigeons will suffer imnort’ from thirst than shiortago of food, and
a good supply of clean fresh water, changed twice day, should he
given them.
24~lO A 2
 10

1515. Inn additiomn to food amnd water, pigeoln.s require grit to hncOp
them to mnuasticate their food, composed of crushed oyster smell,
himestomne, amud lImit. Clean samnd, crushed oyster shell, and a lunnnin
of clean rock salt may be kept in the loft, as the latter u-ill servo the
pun-pose equally well. - -

56 . A hnth shoimlcl be given tine birds at least once a week during

all seasons of the year. An open bath, ‘about 2 ft. 6 in, square, anul
4 in. deep, is best for the purpose.
57. Pigeons mtmst always be fed inside the loft—this is very
essential. -
5S. 1mm finn’ wucithier the bnrds mneed exercisimig cut lea_st twice a
Once outside tine loft they should take exercise, aund not be allowenl
to sit abonit.
59; For service pigeons the open loft should on mno account ba
re~rtecl to. This habit may well be fatal if the birds are released
with ann imutportant message at dum~kor in inclement weather, as they
may thea take to the fields.
CHAPTER Xli.
IN THE BASKET.
90. I’igeons should not unnecessarily be kept ins baskets, buit
whoa this is tmmnavoidabhe, plenty of mcciii should be givemi the
birds to move freely, tnnid their confinement shoumld not be for :n
longer ineriod tinan seven days.
61. It ba desirable, where pigeons may be detained for seine coxm-
shdorable length of timne before liberation, to place the birds in a
large pen or aviary, or even a small m~mn, so that they can unse
their wings.
62. With, all baskets in which birds are kept for more than six
hours will be supplied a usater trough, either fixed or detachable.
The water should be changed frequently.
63. Clean short wood shavings or chaff should always ho sprinkled
on the bottonn of baskets, and changed once a day when possible.
64. A small quantity of food should ho given livice a day at 7 a.mun.
and 5 p.m.
6,5. ‘Sexes should always be separated when the birds are put into
baskets, Thni~ is very essential, as frequemstiv feathers arc badly
damaged amid pulled out in fighting so as to render the birds unfit
for flying.
CHAPTER XIII.
COMMUNIOA’HONS FROM ISOLATEI) UNITS.
06. Pigeons are practically the only agency by which comminiunica
tion can be received with a certain amount of reliability from units
which have become isolated, or from bohind the enemy’s lines.
67. These birds have been dropped in baskets from the air with
much succc~,the following being the best methods adopted.
68. It is not advisable to drop more than two birds at, a time, anti
for this purpose a standard sized trench pigeon basket measurinmg
14~in. x 9 in. X 10 in. is used.
69. Pigeoas are rolled up in a sheet of newspaper and tied around
tine shoulders with string. A small hole is made in the paper at the
head so as to allow air to roach the bird
 11

70. A good foundation of strasv is then placed in the basket, and

the pigeons laid on it, the basket tincn bcimmg filled lighntly with
straw.
71. Message pad, pencil, mcsstuge carriers, and 4 ox. pigeon food, -

enough for ‘2 days, are also enclosed.

72. The total weight ‘app:roximnateiy is 4~-lbs.
73. A parachnunte is then attached to time basket. Tine parachute
is designed to descend with~a velocity of 30 feet per second and is
constm-ucted in the usunal way. Tine dimennsienns are as follow-s —
No. of panels ... ... ... . -. ... 16
Length of panel from bottom edge to edge of
central mote ... ... ... ... ... 15 in.
Diameter of central hole ... ... ... ... 8 in.
Lemngtln of rigging ... ... ... ... ... 33 in.
Length of lamiya~rd from bottom of rigging to
basket ,.. ... ... ... ... ... 18 in.
(minimn~um)
74. Each panel consists of an isosceles triangle, tine sides of w’hicin
are ii) inn, amid base 9~in., the top 4 in. of each trinuinglo being cut off
to fornn time centn’al hnole.
75. Tinese nneasumrememnts (10 not include tine allowance for seams,
thus being, say, ~ in. all round.
76. Tine paraclnumte is folded in ‘panels and rolled from top to
bottom am1d maintainnc’d by roiling tine riggimig loosely round it, care
being taken to prevent time rigging becoming tammglcd.

To Release line Paracinule.

77. Until required for use the rolled parachute is held on tine top
of the basket by means of a small strap. Whnemn it is desired to dn-op
thn~basket tine obsem’ven’ frees tine paracinuito by undo’imug tine strnup, amid
holds tine basket ummnderneath with mis left hand, amid pressimng the
parachnsmte on to tine basket with his n’igiut inamud’ in order to prevenmt
it fronin becoming unrolled amid tannglenl by tine wimid.
78. Whnen tine basket is released tine observer takes care to give it
a s’ufficiemntly strong ‘‘ push ‘‘ so tim’at it inlay safely clear tine tail of
the imnacinine. As soon a_s it is iii the nuir tine parachnute umnrohl~
itself and is opemned automatically by the ‘speed of descent.
79. Tine whole then dm’ifts dow-n wind, failing at tine rate of 30 feet
per second, presumnni g tine nuacimimme to be flyimng sip wimid on to tine
target which gives tine most accumrate n’esunlLs.
80. Inn eider thmat good shootimmg may be made, it is, of couurse,
necessary that tine observer sinoumid imave a kmiosvledge of the speed
and direetnomi of tine prevailing winnnl, amid also’ bo able to juidge
nceunm’at.ely distances on tlue gm-mind inn onde’r tlnat lie may make time
necessary allowance.
• 81. In eider to make time obsen’ver’s calculations’ as simjile as
possible it is suggested that inc should have with Inimn a table showing
‘tine necessary gn’ounnd distances to allow- for variouls hmeighnts, and for
vamious wind speeds. It is suggested fuithner that, if possible, a small
smoke cloud sinounid be set up in tine vicinity of tine target to show
the direction of thne wimid, thno ordinary niethnods such as direction flags
being absent.
 12

CHAPTER XIV.
FAILURES AND THE CAUSE.
82. Figum-es provide an eloquennt illustration of the importnmiice of
pigeon work in tine Royal Air Force. Tine number of messages wlnichn
mayo failed to reach tineir destination is loss tiiain 5 per cent., and of
this S per coat. a considerable proportron has been due to ignorance
of tine pigeon’s capabilities, tine motinod of hiandling, or improperly
m’ttachied messages.
83. Pilots and observers wino have to s-end messages by pigeon
should tlnoroughniy familiarise thuemselves withn tine handling of birds
for Service work, and the method of attaching messages.
84. Most failures, so far, mayo been dune to liberation of birds late
at night whemn time machine and cnew’ were in no immediate danger.
‘lime message would probably mayo got thnroungh mad the birds been
held back till dawn:
85. In one case in which a macmimic crashed, time observer was
“ knocked out “ amid thic pilot mad had no experience of inandling
pigeons. In his attempt to affix a message both birds escaped and,
but for tine fact that a patrol boat passed soon afterwards, tine crew
might have been lost.
86. Fair visibility is essential to a bird in its fligint. If visibi!ity
is bad, a pigeon frequently emmdeavours to perch on tine wing tip of
time macmine.

CHAI~TER XV.

DISPOSAL OF STRAY PIGEONS.

87. Should a messago be found on any dead, wounded or stray

pigeon, timo pessage should be immediately telephoned or telegraphed
to the Air Ministry, amid details of the ring number of the pigeomn
aund of all marks on the wnngs given. The bim’d itself should be
sent to the Officer Commanding, Pigeon Service, R.A.F., Air
Mimmistry, London, unless there is a Naval, Military, or Air Force
Pigeon Loft in the immediate vicinity, when it should be taken
to thnat loft for cunstody to await Air Ministry instructions as to
disposal. It should be stated in the telegram or telephone message
how- the pigeon has been disposed of.
88. ]‘artnculars of a pigeon, even if it does not carry a message,
should be reported and the bird dealt with as above if—
(a) Its wings ame stamped withn a /orcign manic or address; or
(b) It bears any foreign rings. (For this purpose any rings
other than those marked “ N.U.,” “

S.t.,” or “ U.F.” may be regarded as

foreign.)
89. Any pigeons other than thoso provided for in paragraphs (a)
and (b) should ho liberated whorover found, if they are uninjured
and fit to fly.
90. If the bird is injured, is incapable of flight, or will not leave
time vicinity, tine vendors of the rung, as shown below, shnoumid be
communicated with and requested to inform tine owner of the bird
of its whereabouts.
 13

The foliowing are the names amid addresses of Vendors of British

Rings:_ -

Rings marked “ N.U.” ‘The Secretary,

(National Homuninig Union). Tine National Homing Unnon,
14, East Parade,
Leeds.
Itimigs marked “ N.U.II.P.” “ Tine Racing Pigeon,”

(1~ationmm1 Union Racing 19, Douighmty Street,

Pigeon). London, W.C.
Rings marked “N.U.H.P.” “The Homing Pigeon,”
(National Union Henning 7, The Crescent,
Piaeon). Birmingham.
Rings markeIi~“ S.L’.” The Secretary,
(Scottish Homing Union). Time Scottish Homing Union,
43, Miller Street,
Liui’khnull,
Lamnarkshnire.
Rings mnnr~ed “ U.F.” Mr. Johmm Jack,
(Ulster Federation). 81, Alexandra Park,
Belfast.
91. In every case where ring numbers aro quoted great care
should hue taken that all identification letters or marks am’e correctly
givemu. The fact that a pigeon carm-ies a rubbem- rimig on the leg in
addition to metal rings need not be taken into consideratiomi in
deciding as to the bird’s disposal. It should, lnaw’cvor, be noted that
a nnossnigo may be carried under thmo rubber ring, amid this shnouild
invnriably be looked for.

CHAPTER XVI.
GENERAL INFORMATION.
92. Aitinough, as stated elsew-horo, pigeons are miot intended to
replace any existing message service, but to act as an auixihian’y ommiy~
there ame sonic types of aim-cm’aft to which time pigeon is immdispemm.sable.
For instance, mniacinines unequipped with wireless ni-c depemndent
solely u}xmnn tine pigeon. Directly sonic types of seaplane sti’ike tine
,vatem’, WIT is cult of action amid tine pigeon conies to tine rescume.
93. Care should be taken net to lose pigeomns down tine fumselnuge—
this has often been domne.
94. Observens should in all cases where pigeons are available, make
sumre thinnt pigeons are in time machine before leaving omi patrol.
95. Pigeons must be protected from draught during fhiglnt, amid kept
away fm-cnn amny smell of gas.
96. Inn fog or foul weather the return of time pigeon is umnccrtain.
Occasionally, however, pigeons have been kmnowmi to fight their way
tlnrougin. In darkness, too, the meturn of a bird is ahuvays doumbtfnmh.
Except in cases of extreme urgency, therefore, pigeomis shnoumld not
be released when conditions such ins these exist. For examniple, in tine
event ~f a forced landing, tine pigcomn should not ho released late at
night or witinout sufficient time being allow-ed to inomine in dnylight
unless the crew are in immediate danger. It is, of coum-se, aiwnuys
possible that time bird may get to land, nest through tine dark hmnm’s,
and make for its ouvn left at dawn.
 1-1
97. It has frequenntly been found in forced landings that pigeons
‘Ire drowned w’hnemn the nna-inine dips. - As trained pigeons are
extremely valuable amid difficult to replace, care sluoulci be taken to
acconunodate tine birds as high ins possible in tine machine to
nnimnimnise tine i-isk of timeir uestruction whnen part of the machine
zobmerges.
98. Messages sent by pngcons are stnniped “ Amr Pigeon Loft
No “ In thne cuent of stray pigeons eommimng ‘unto the
possession of R.A.F. units beai-ing messages stanipcd as above, these
messages sinoumld be sigmiahied fom’thnwithi to tine Am’ Mimustry, and tine
flinnsy en the bird’s leg should be semmt to 0.0. Pigeomn Service, Air
Ninistny, London.
99. TIne nate at which a pigeon flies varies with tine wind amid
weather conditions, but 25 statute miles an inosur may be taken as
a faim- nverage. Tine avon-ago weil-bied pigeon is expected to be able
withs camefuni training, comnimencing urinous it is about tinree mnonthms
old, to negotiate distances over lammd imp to SO mile’s during its first
year, and imp to 250 miles tine second.

CHAPTER XVII.
SOME MERITORIOUS PERFORMANCES.
100. A Short seaplane whilst on patrol was forced to laud. Two
pigeonns were dispatched, givinng positiomi of tine wreck amid requesting
immediate help, as the macbrine had capsized and was rapidly
im-eakinmg up in tine roumgint sea. Aircraft weme dispatcined, and.
having located the wreck, directed a destroyer to it amid the creuv
were consequently rescued. The pigeomi nniestogo was tine first
imifon’nnation n’eceiu-ed giving tine position of tine seaplane.
Two pigeons were senit onn service imi a Short plane. Thus niachnine
was forced to descend owing to engine trouble 30 miles fronn its
base. A very ineavy sea was running, amid a strong wind prevailed at
~hie time. The birds were liberated together at 9.32 a.nn., and hnomed
at 10.32. No new-s whatever concerning the machine had been
meceived tnmntil these birds arrived. Assistance was sent, and after
careful searcining tine machine was picked up by a motor launch. Tine
pilot and observer comisider that the imuforniation conveyed by tine
pigoomms wnns tine mneamis of thnenr being rescued.
Seaplamme 8666 failed to returmi from patrel. Tine first news came
from a pigeon message, amid tine cm’ew of six were saved after being
on time water for tinree days. Another pigeon with a similar message
u-as picked up a few miles from tine loft, having died from exhaustion.
Sennplaume 1250 caine down with emigine trounblo 40 miles from its
base. Tino news came by pigeon message, and tine macmine was found
and brought back in tow.
• Seaplane 1608 descended wmth engine trouble ~30 miles from it.s
base. Tine news cn~me by pigeon mesE~age, ‘and the macmine un-as
brought back in tow. Tine birds had to fly against a i-cry s-tronr
and cold N.W. wind.
Seaplane 451’l• came down on the water 45 miles out, News caine
from ~t pigeon message, a’nd the machine was picked up by ‘a monitor
just before dark.
 15

Seaplane 1098 canne down and wan unable to rise again. The first
news was a pigeon message, saying “ One float gone; simmlning.” The
macinino was found and brougint back.
Seapiamne 8660, down omn tine water witin engine trouble 200 miles
from the baser amid attacked by tinree enemy nnncliines. A pigeon
returned w-ith message, eo’mntaimiing this imiformnnation, in five hnonirs
Sciuplanno 45l~2erasinenl 10 miles frommi time’ base, one pigeon being
drowned in tine crash. Tine other pigeo’mn was liberated, mtoul althnouezh
almost drouwned, returned with a mnie~ageinn tinnic for ‘assistance 10
be sent. All time crow were saved.
Seaplane 4305 was shot down inn flames by five c’nmem~’ nnmachines
ahoumt 50 miles from the base. A pigoonn brouughit this imnfornmmatiomn,
and three of the crew were nuaved after lnoiing in tine water llnrce-
quarters of an lmounr.
A Short seaplane, whilst on patroi, was forced to land. A pignuonn
was rcieaa’d at 4 p.m. requicstimng hucip. The pigeomn reached thin
iof~at 4.22, huau-imig flowmn a distammee of 22 miles in •2•2 minumtes.
Assistance was imnncdiately ~ennt, amid all the crouv were saved. The
sea at tine tunic was rough, anid tine machnine rapidly breaking up.
A I).H. 6 was forced to descend througin engimne trouble. A pigeon
arrived with a niossungo to this effect, ~nnl a destroyer wins din-cctcd
to search for tine pilot, wino was picked imp after lie had becin iii the
water an hnouir, his mnuacinimie having sunk fifteen minuntcs after laud.
ing.
A machum’ was forced to land at sea, owing to thick fog. A bird
was m-eleased with a ten knot wind against it. Althnoumghn tine pilot
mad completely lost his bemnrings owinig to fog, tine pigcomn mntde
straight off for land without hc~itation.
A machimie was forced to land. Two pigeons reached the loft inn
an heunr. They flew tinn’oungin a ineavy thummdorstornun and higin wind
uigaimnst thcmn.
l)unring us pencil of sevomitcen uiionthms, onn one station alone, l)irds
wore liberated on SO occasions fromin aircraft in diflicumhty and often
actual peril. In 45 cases tue pigeons bn-oungiit the first informnuution,
and s~nnecessfun1action was taken. Onme of tine bi?ds was suet through
tine left eye in action, but suicceecled imi m’eaeining its loft.
 16
INDEX.
PAIl A
Acconnmodntioni fan birds ... ... 10
Accustonniui’~ bird to weariung message carrier 48
Aeroplanes, use of pigeonns fm-cnn 33,42
Airships, use of nmgeomis fn’om -. 33, 40, 41
1 fon- eachn pigeon 10
Air space required
Air uraimiimm~ tosses ... ... 20, 22
Arn-ival of bird, unotifyiuig ... I1
Auxiliary message scmvice, pigeons as . -. 92
Baskets birds kept in •. - - . ... GO
for dm-oppimmg pmgcomms to isolated units (is
separation of sexes when in 65
Jiatius .. .,. . . - - 56
Breeding, instn’uctionns fon’ - -. . ... . -. ‘2S—34
~onumnuninnicatiomis from isolated units • .. 66
Conisignnnient Note (F.S. Ferns 268).
Daily exercise ... ... ... 58
Despatehing message.. ..

Diinnenusionns of paracEute for dropping pigeons 73

Disposal of message when received 30
Dis~ness ‘‘ signals ... .-. -14
Drinkimnc watcm- . cit
Dropping pigeons by parachute 66
Duplicate niicssages, senndnng of . .,, . -‘ -. 43
Eggs ~. . . . ... .. - . ... 29
Ehectrical apparatus for trap ... 11
Equupmmient ledger (Army Book 163).
Equnipunuont requuired for standard loft 14
Failuircs and the cause ... ... 82
Feodiumg, daily nations per bird . 33
Feeding inside baskets ... ... 64
Feeding imiside loft ... ...

Fixing parachtnte to pigeon basket ...

Fog and darkness, return of pigeons througin fiG
General information ... ... 92
Grit ... - - ... - ..‘. .3,3
Holding the pigeon (see also uhhunstratnon) 36, 83
Identifications of stray R.A.F. pigeons 16
Isolated units, comniunnncatiens freni - -. 66
Label, R.A.F. Depot (F.S. Form 205).
Label, returned cnipty basket (F.S. Form 267).
Label, ti-aining (F.S. Fom-mn 205).
Liberation withount messages ... ... 44
Loft nuumnagernent .. ... ... 47
Loft serial mnunibers, ,.. ... 16
Log Book (F.S. Form 279).
Mating ... -.. ... ... 23

Message carrier •
Meritorious performances
.. ...
• ...

carrier, method of fixing

..
100
38
46
~ pad . .. .. • ... 37
pad. (l’s. Form 197).
Messages, despotching of - . - . . - 36
,, found on stray pigeons ... 16, 87, 88, SO, 90, 91
 17
PAnIA.
Islessages, how to write ... •- - . - - ... 35
stamped for identification 16,35,52
Nighnt, traininmg to fly at 24—27
Opeun loft ... ... ... ... 59
Packimng pigeons for du-opping to isolated units 69
Parachiumte for dropping pigeons 73
I’erches, ~iummiberof .. 12
Persomnmnel nuqnmired for stamidan’d loft 14
Pigoomi attendants .. 13, 14
Pigeons di-opped to isolated tnuiits 66
Pigeoun log book, birds sent on scrvnce 31
Pigeons log book (1”.S. ‘279).
Pigcomn unnessages, uso of ... 35
Pigeomis, replacemnemnt of 15
Protectimig pigeomis fronni dn-aughit nnd smnchl 93
Release at intervals ... 43
Release of ~ugeomnsfromin aemopluuues ... . -. -‘ ... 42
Release of pigeomis fromn airships ... . -. - -. ... 40, 41
Release of ~nigeommsfrom seaplaunes ... . -. -12
Release of pigeons with messages 36
Release of narachuito with pigeons 77, 78
1 jun flight - - - 45
Release whilst
ltepiacenicnnt of pigeons - -. 13
Betimm-mn of pigcomns thmnoumghn fog and darkness- ...96
Seaplanncs unse of pigcomis from 35,42
1 ii)
Sea trnimimng tosses ...

Sending bin-ds on senvice Si

Service pigcomns homing withount messages 44
Service pigeons, liberation w-ithiouit nines-sages 44
Sen-ice, semndimng birds on 51
Serial iiumuiber of loft ... 16
Speed of pigeomu ,.. ... ... 09
Sitting ... ... ... 30
Stones requuired for standard loft ... 14
Stray pigeons, disposal of 87
Stray R.A.F. pigeons how dealt withn US
Training pigeons, faci’ities for IS, 19, 20
liberation inn ham-go batcines 21
,, mnetised of 17—25
Traps for loft ... .. 11
Weekly Reports (F.S. Form 196).
Weekly Return (F.S. Foi’m 196).
Winmgs stamped for identification 16
Young, ready for service 33
Young, removed from parents 31
Yonmnug, tramming of - -. ... :J4
F.S. Form 19G.—Weekly Reports.
197._Message Pads.
,, ,, 263,—Label Trainirm~.
,, ,, 26G.—Label R.A.F. Depot.
267.—Label returnied empty basket.
268.—Consignment Note.
,, ,, 270._Log Book.
Army Book 1G5.—Equuipme~ntLedger.
Printed under the authority of hIi~Majesty’s Stnutiommery Office
By DAllLI~.GA~DJ ~13~CP~ST1t~uWm’, E.2