Animals were widely used during World War I--horses, of course, but also dogs, pigeons, camels--for transportation, carrying messages, detection of gas, enemies or wounded men, and, of course, companionship.
The pigeon that carried the last message from Fort Vaux to Verdun--named "Valiant," it died from toxic poisoning shortly after reaching its destination--was honored with a plaque of its own at Fort Vaux.
"For the pigeon-fanciers dead for France, for the Pigeon of Verdun"
"From this Fort departing during the battle of Verdun, 4 June 1916, the last homing pigeon of Commandant Raynal carrying the following Message:"
"We still hold, but we suffer an attack, by gas and fumes. Very dangerous. It is urgent to relieve us. Let us give the following optical message to Souville which does not respond to our calls. This is my last pigeon."
"The pigeon accomplished its mission and obtained the following citation:"
"Despite the enormous difficulties resulting from thick smoke and gas fumes, accomplished the mission with which Commandant Raynal had charged it as the sole means of communication during the heroic defense of Fort Vaux. Carried the last message which had been received from this officer. Badly poisoned, the pigeon arrived dying." Diplôme de bague d'honneur.
"This plaque has been erected by subscription of the Society of Pigeon Fanciers of France, by the friends of Homing Pigeons" and by the care of the "Pigeons of Verdun" pigeon-fancier society of Verdun" and inaugurated on 24 June, 1929."
Comments