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ROYAL AIR FORCE.

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PIGEON SERVICE MANUAL.

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Am MINISTItY,

June, 1919.

/LONDON:

I’UBLIB}iED BY HIS MAJF~sTrsSTAflON~RYOFFLCFLTo be purchaHedthroughany Book~eLloror dtrectly(rorn

U.N. STAI’IONEItY OI’FIC’E at thetotIowtngaddro~o~:12t1’NItIAL hOUSE, KINUSWAY LONDON, W.U.2, and28, AOINGD0N .~rnegr,LONDON, S.W,1:37. i’ErEt~~rnEi~r, MANciuts~’Eu1, ST. ANDREW’S Utt1O~CENT,(jAhtD1~F:23, F’oRrii STREET EDINI3UItOII

or trom E. 1~ONSON~3Yh,rlj.. his UItAi~ToNSrn~rr,DUBUN.

1919.Price Gd. Net.

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 usefulnessand vaiuo is not appreciated. That their“ Servicerendered“ hasbeenof inestimablevalue thereis no doubt,and pilots and observersare to ho found everywhere who.owo thesaving of their lives to the agency of theso little winged heroes.Heroesthey are, for on occasionsthey havefought their way throughthe most adverseu~eatherconditionscarrying messageswhich meanteverything to thosewino liberated them.

2. It has therefore become necessary to issue a publicationexplaining to some extent, their capabilities, managementand use,in so far as required by the Royal Air Force, for the guidanceofall concerned. This manual, therefore, is only intended to supplyinformation applicablespecially to theuseof pigeons from aircraft,and not contained in the ordinary text books on the subject of

~ racing pigeons.3. The pigeon used to-day for messageservice has beenbred for

generationsfrom selectedparents,nil of whom havo establishedtheirmerits by henning from distances, in some casesas 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, knowledgeof the training and care of pigeons, are placedin charge

of time lofts. This is an assuranceto pilots that only reliablo~ pigeonsare supplied to them.

5. Pilots and observersshould be thoroughly conversantwith thehandling of pigeons, and for this purpose instructional lofts havebeen erected.

6. Experience has shown that pigeons to be used from Aircraftrequiro a special education for this classof work.

7. Although the Pigeon Service personnel is composedof experts,tine training of pigeons from aircraft varies considerably. There-fore, eachmanon entering theServico is given a courseof instructionat one of the establishedcentres‘in tho managementand maintenanceof a R.A.F. pigeon loft.

S. It has to be borne in mind that owing to the vagariesof tineweather, the difFerencein the condition of the birds themselves,andagain the varying results obtained accordingto the seasonof tineyear, tim Pigeon Service generally is not intendedto take the placeof any existing means of connnnunication,but to serve ns anauxiliary.

9. The successof the service depends largely on cordial andunselfi.sls co-operation. Unless officers commanding units arrangethat all necessaryfacilities for time training of birds are providedfor tine expert, the pigeon will not be fit for tIme work it is calledupon to do. (T

1ndeA.M.W.O. 624/1918.) As a rule pigeonsare not

used until all other meansof communicationfail. l’hmerefore, theirnnessagesin many caseshold time balancebetweenlife and dentin.

(6/19) (24510r.) Wt. 15053—417. 500. 8/19. D & S. G~2.

CHAPTER I.

THE LOFT.10. The accommodationprovided for tine birds mustbe ample,since

pigeons will not tlnnive if kept in a crowded loft. Fourteen tofifteen cubic feet of spaceshould be reckoned to eacin bird. Thus aloft 6 feet wide, 8 feet long, and 7 feet high would aeconnmodate12Pairs of old birds for bi’ceding purposes. This spacewill, in addition,accomnmnodatean equal number‘of young birds inmitil time latter are oldenoughto be m’emnmoved to a new loft.

11. Each loft reqlmmresto lie installed with a trap, or traps, for tinebirds to enter,each trap beingfitted with a small electrical apparatusin order to notify tine arrival of a bird with its message.

12. The interior of time-loft must be light, well ventilated, andshould be fitted with a sufficient numberof small perchesto accoan—modato tine whole of time innnates.

13. A standard loft requires, for 150 birds, at least one expertnttendannt,wino should, in addition, he supplied with a fatigue nnan,whom lie can instruct in tine handling of tine bird in caseof mis ownabsence.

CHAPTER II.

LOFT EQUIPMENT.

14. A standardloft containing 150 birds woimld require the followingpersonnelanti equipnnemnt: —-

(a) Personnel.1 N.C.O. (pigeon expert).1 Fatigue main.

(b) Equipment.Peas, sacks ... ... ... ... ... ... 4Grit, cwts. ... ... ... ... ... ... 2Fountains, water ... ... ... ... ... 3Hoppers,grit ... ... ... ... ... ... 3Bath, pigeon ... ... ... ... ... ... 1Brush, sweeping (hand) ... ... ... ... 1Pail, iron galvanised (4 gals.) ... ... ... 1Can, water toilet ... ... ... ... ... IShovel, fire ... ... ... ... ... ... 1Scrapers, “ V “-shaped ... ... ... ... 1Nest pans ... ... ... ... ... ... 60Nest eggs ... ... ... ... ... ... 60

*Basketh, with troughs ‘~~,pattera

fBoxes, seaplane,pigeon ... ...

Carriers, message ... ... ... ... ... 20Pads, message ... ... ... ... ... ... 10Rings, celluloid ... ... ... ... ... 144Insectidetins ... ... ... ... ... 4

* “ D “ pattern basketsare issuedto stationsequippedwithn flyingboatsin addition.

t lassie of pngeon boxes wnll be arrangedaccording to numberand type of machinesor airships on time establishmentsof the unitservedby tine pigeon loft. Theseboxesare now standardised.

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4 .. C

4Winntmng lbs. ... ... ... ... ... ... 0

Brushesfor whiting ... . ... ... ... ... 1Buns for sternngeof corn ... ... ~‘. 2

~ A little disinfecting fltmid should be added to whttmng solutmoilbefore using.

Nors.—An extra fatigue man is needed for every rnddntnonal50-100birds.

15. Replacementsof pigeons to keep tine loft mnp to requmsntestrengthswill be made by Pigeon Service, winen it is considerednecessary,and further stocks of pigeonsbecomeavailableat PigeonService H.Q.

CHAPTER III.

SERIAL LOFT NUMBERS.

16. Each pigeon loft is given a serial ninmniber, with a rubberstampbr its marking. All pigeons in tine loft are stannpodwitin thisuunmber on three lomng flights of each winng. Messages are alsostannpodbefore being taken out oni patrol. In tine event of a birdfailing to reacin its loft it is then possible for tine air station to whichtine officer or other rank sending tine message beiomngs, to beidentified. Tine I’ostal Authorities have instrumetionsto transmnnitsunchimessagesby telegraph‘‘ smrgenntpriority,’’ to tine Air Mimmistry, andthey will then be trannsnnittedfrom tine Air Ministry to time unitconcerned.

ChAPTER IV.

HOW TO TRAIN THE PIGEONS.

17. Pigeons imntemmded for use from a ILA.F. loft witim a MarineOperational Unit should be given training by gradual stages alongtine coast inn both directions. After tine pigeon has becnn settledtotine loft it should be traimned by distaincesalong time coast imn bothdirections of 1, 2, 4, 6, and 10 miles, and tinerealter every 10 milesup to as far as tine patrolsreconnoitre, Si) tinat the birds will readilyl~onnefrom w’hnatever point they strike tine land.

18. At home it is generally possiblo to give tine pigeons tinoirpreliminary land traimningby rail, bunt if anydifficulty is experienced,arranngennemnt.sshould be nnnde for mechanicaltransport.

19. Sea tossesfollow, and heretine assistanceof the local NavalAuthorities should be obtained, if possible. Sea tosses at dis-tancesof 5, 10, 15, and 20 miles sinouid becarried out. If it is notpossibleto obtain seatransport, the birds should be taken for theirsea tosses by air, but the fact that the macmines cams omnly carrya limited number is a drau’backto thus method.

20. Before beimng used for actual nnne.ssagework, pigeonsshould begnven several tosses from tine muir, and, if possible, at least onetoss, one at a time at intervals of about 10 minmnmtcs at tineextrennelimit of time patrol.

21. It is importnnnnt that large nunmbersof pigeonssimould not beliberatedfor trmninimng in onne batch from onestageat time sametinno.

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Good pigeonsare scarce,and the weatiner is always a clangor. Tlmolargest number that sinounld be releasedat once is twenty.

22. In addition to tine birds taken on service, a secomnd box ofinirds sinould always becarried and releasedfrom the air for training.

23. Pigeonsat an air station may have at sometime or other thelives of pilots and observersdependentunpon their wings, and umnlessthe birds are properly traimned tiney cannot possibly be expected tocarry tine vital messagehiome.

CHAPTER V.

FLYING AT NIGHT.

24. Pigeonshave been trained to fly at iniglnt, but fo~~enly com-paratively short distances,and also in tine tuvihighut. Tinis latter isof greatestvaiume, especiallyu-lien a pigeon Inas been releasedlatein tino evcnimng with a messageof distress.

25. TIme trainimng must, how-ever, ho very carefully carried out,commencing with iettinng tinem out of tine loft in time evening andpreventing them from setthinng on the loft by the waving of a flagor sonnesimilar article.

26. This should commnencelate in the aftermioomn amid gradunahlybeextendedto later in tine evening.

27. The pigeons sinould then be given a few short tosses intine evening gradually extending towards tine dunsk, bunt every carennust be taken to ensurethat time is givenn for tine pigeomns to gethome before absoluntedarkness.

CHAPTER VI.

THE YOUNG PIGEON.

28. Pigeons,if well and liberally fed, will rear yoinng at nearly allseasonsof tine year, but tine best timne to select for mating tine birdsis about themiddle of February. The cock and lien birds mmnst beseparatedfor abouta montin before tlney are mated.

29. Eigint days after mating, the lien will lay her first egg; tinenafter an interval of a day tine second egg should be laid. Theyoung will hatch 17 days later. -

30. Botin cock and hen sit and rear time young, the cock coveringtine eggs from 11 n.m. to 3 p.m., and the berm sitting during theremainderof tine day and nnghnt. It is important to note timis factin order to arrangetue birds’ training flights.

31. The young caim be removed from their parents at the end of30 days, when, if they are well reared,they will be able to fly andfeed themselves.

32. As soon as the young are old enougin, they should be placed ina separateloft. A few days later, when accustomedto perch, sleep,and feed in tinis loft, they can be let out, but must riot be giventraining flights until quite accustomedto the surroundingsof theirmew imome. This requiresfrom two or threeweeks’ exercisingflights.

33. TIme young pigeons,known as “ squneakers,”shnould be readyfor Service work winen three months old; at this age good strong

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young birds will beready to accomplisinfliglnts of front 10 to 50 miles,if they mayo beemnwell traimned.

34. Training camn comnnenlce as soon as tine “ squeakers“ an-ctinorouginly nnecustonsedto timeir hnomne, or loft, and mayo learned tofind it themselvesand to retunrafor food after taking exercise. Themoore freely pigeonsfly w-lnon exercisingabout thneir memo, tine bettortineir eomnnlition will be, arid tino more speedily will they memo winenflying back with a message.

CFIAPTER VII.

THE MESSAGE.

WRITING ThE MEsSAGE.

35. TIne nmnessagesinouid contain fully but briefly wlnat ‘is required.it sinouhd alwnnys give tlit’ nanneof time statiomn to uvinicin tine mnnacinimnebelomngs or tine senial mnumnnber of tine pigeon loft, amid inn tine casesof forced lamndimmgs comnvey tine fohlowmmng nmnformnnatiomi as far aspossible: —

(a) Caumse of landing.(b) Nature of tm-ouble, and any usehnlinformation.(e) l’ositiomn.(d) ‘I’imne anti date.

In addit’mon.pigeomimnes.sagesarennf inestnmabievolume in casesliketine following:—

Dispatch of nun-umrgeintmessagesfrom airslnips.Failure of W/T or emngimnesin am-ships.Dispatch from aircraft of nncssagesof a natume w’hnichi it is not

desiredto sendby wireless.Rcconnaissamnceover large tracts of desertor ininabited eoummtry

by aeroplamne. -

They shosuld also ho of value on bug recomnnaissancoand rpintnctpatrols, as in tine event of a fomced lamndimng, tine meportcan still beforwardedand munch vahumable nmnformnmatiomm thins obtaimned. It wouldalso

1nrevemut airnmnemn being reported killed wino hmad lamnded in the

onenniv hines.

SENDING THE MEsSAGE.

30. TIme huamndling amid releaseof pigeonsdenmammdsvery little skill,bunt a certain amnnoumntof care on tine part of pilot or observer. Thebind, winea taken fronn time box or bnmsket,sinould be held gently buntfirmly with tine timuimb acrossits back, tino first finger just umnder tinevent, nmncl tine rennainuing three finngers resting cnn its breast, moldingtine legsbetweentine fnrst amid seconnulfingers. Tine fixing of tine minerportionu of time messagecmnrrmer will tinen be found to be a simmnplemnatter. To releasetine pigeon, tine bird shoumld beheld as onno wouldhold a stick, and then thrown, openingtine inamnd imnmmnediatelyso as notto punli ount any feathers. (The mimetinodsof releasefrom different typesof aircraft are statedin anothercinaptor.)

MESSAGE PAD.

37. Special messagebiocks (F.S. Ferns 197) made up ims pads for‘25 messageswith carbon interleaved, are provided, amid so arranged

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that perforatedcopiescan be torn off, leaving one sineetin tine hookas a record. When tine messageis wn-itten it is folded up and placediii the

MESSAGE OARnSIEII.38. This is of special desigmn (sea illustrations) amid made of

aluminiunni for iighntnoss. Tine messageis placed in the smallerreceptacle,and that in turn is placedin tine hargerreceptacle.

CHAPTER VIII.

THE RELEASE FROM THE AIR.

39. Experinsonts carried out with a view to determinimmg timesimplest and safestmethods of releaseof pigeonsf reins airsinips andseapianesin flight have renderedthe fohlow-ing results:—

40. Reportsfromui various airship stationsare practically inn agree—nnent that time outward and downward throw is the most reliable.But is must be remeinberodthat a firm hold of tine bird is essentialto a strong throw either over tine sideor aft. ‘A slight or weak throwcausesthe bird to openits wingson too closeproxinnity to the airsinip,mind thereis always damngerthen of collision.

41. In many typesof airshipsit is unnecessaryto stop theenginesor oven reduce their revolutions, but in some,however,time forwardcimgino or the aft engine has to be slowed down. Ir~nnediately,thepigeon is released,however, the enginesare restarted to discouragethe pigeon from settling on tine envelope or other part of tine’bndy, where it might find us temnporan-yperch.

42. Releasesfrom seaplanesare very much alike. It is generallya simplo toss into the air, ensuring that the bird is carried wellover the tail planes, and falls clearof tine machine. It is, however,the piactice of sonne experiencedobserversto grasp tine bird in hisright Imand, tine thnumnb undernmeathntine legs amid the four fingers overits wings and back, amid then threw’ tue bird w-ell out at tine righthand side of tine macininme at ann angIe of 20 degreesbelow thehorizontal. Experience‘indicates thnat this latter is the best methodof releasingfrom senpianesor aeroplanes. Again, a firm and stronghold are essentialif tine pigeon is not to be blown ens to tine tailplanes.

CHAPTER IX.

PIGEONSON SERVICE.43. Not less than two birds are earr.ied for service purposeson

seaplanesandaeroplanes,andduplicate messagescan besenton thesetwo birds, or the secondbird can be kept for a further messageasthought advisable. A duplicate of the original messageshouldalways, however, be placed on the secondpigeon. Birds should bereleased at intervals, if possible of not less than ten minutes toavoid flying together.

44. [1 one or both the service pigeons home without a message,it. is a signal of distress, andsearch should ho misdofor the maclimotaking out thebird or birds in question,but as there is no indicationof thepositionof themachine,sendersshouuldonly resort to thiscoursein casesof extreme necessity. It is of flmst importance,therefore,.

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To 1,0 tnt,,, jnhIlic,tIla’,I tonearestm’ost,mTeiegrn

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i’S. Form nom.

Showing correctmethodof 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, neatestmottO menegntpn,Once.

5.5 FortsmsT.

Another exampleof how to write a message.

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that Service ~nmgeom1ssinould not under ordimnary circumnnstanncesbeliberated witinout a nnessage.

-15. Uonmsiderablosuccess ntis attended tine use of hnomnnimng pigeonsliberated frommn tnireraft inn hlighnt.

46. Overdistamneesm’angimng imomrn 20 to 30 mules in fimne weathereriepigeon can always bc -relied mipomn to ronncln homewith a mnuess:nge. Innbad uveather, or oven ~reatcr distannees,it is tuhvisahletine mmnessageshould be sentin duplicate by two separatepigeons.

CHAPTER X.

LOI’T MANAGEMENT.

SENDING Binmis ON Sismnvica.

47. Tine pigeon I,ersomnnnei should be tinoroumginiv comiversant withthe comntt’mntsof this chmapter, winic’h slno’tnld be strictly carried onmt.

4S. Tine oimtside portiomi of time imnessagecarrier sluoniid always beclipped on the leg. Tine bird’s ca~mn be kept in thne loft with thisportion always attnnclned to their legs amid stiffer mno ill effects. Everybird innnnst be accunstomnedto wear this carrier befon-~it is sent cnnservice

49. TIne carrier simounld be fixed so that tine remnnovablecylimmder is~ at the top Thus is imnportemnt. Care sinoumld be tekemm to s thnnt~ the mnes~,nt.~ecarriel- is fastemnoil seetnrehy,bunt not too tight so as soU injunre the bird

50. \\‘hen a message is received is mnust immediately be hamudedto time Ohhicercoinrnandimigtine unit.

51. When births are issued for service work, the ring mnunmbersshould he centerediii I~artII. of the PigeomnLug (I’.S. Formmn 279) amnnlthe mnnnimte on nnummnnberof aircraft taking them alsoentered. Thnis muistalways be done,~o tihat in theovemit of mi bird hominngwith a nuossnn”ewinich does not state who despatchnedit, thesedetails can bo astor-taimued immnmcdiateiy-

52. Every messageon the messagepad must be stampedwitim thenumber otis nip contsininng the air pigeons loft nm’tnmnbt’r, before issuiedto aircraft. ‘linis will enable the Air Station, from whmich theseinnossagesemanate,to be ascertainedat once imm tine event of anypigeoli cnmn’ryimng imnessagesgoing :ns’tm’nv nnnd failing to reach thnnm’own loft

CHAPTER XT.

FEEDING.

53. A ~imfflciemntdaily ration for birds in’akimng trufimning flights ms1.~ox, per head per day. Whom possible, omne-third of tinis foouishould be given imu the morning semi after daybreak, munnd two-tinirds iii tine afternoon. Many of the chief ailments in pigeons art’dueto over-feedingand want of sumflieient exercise. In the breedingseasontine r;ntion will needto be increasedby one-tinird.

154. Pigeonswill suffer imnort’ from thirst than shiortagoof food, anda good supply of clean fresh water, changedtwice day, should hegiven them.

24~lO A 2

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1515. Inn additiomn to food amnd water, pigeoln.s require grit to hncOpthem to mnuasticate their food, composed of crushed oyster smell,himestomne,amud lImit. Clean samnd, crushedoyster shell, and a lunnninof cleanrock salt maybe kept in the loft, asthe latter u-ill servothepun-poseequally well. - -

56. A hnth shoimlcl be given tine birds at least once a week duringall seasonsof the year. An open bath, ‘about 2 ft. 6 in, square,anul4 in. deep, is best for the purpose.

57. Pigeons mtmst always be fed inside the loft—this is veryessential. -

5S. 1mm finn’ wucithier thebnrds mneed exercisimigcut lea_st twice aOnceoutside tine loft they should take exercise, aund not be allowenlto sit abonit.

59; For service pigeons the open loft should on mno account bare~rteclto. This habit may well be fatal if the birds are releasedwith ann imutportantmessageat dum~kor in inclement weather,as theymay thea take to the fields.

CHAPTER Xli.IN THE BASKET.

90. I’igeons should not unnecessarily be kept ins baskets, buitwhoa this is tmmnavoidabhe, plenty of mcciii should be givemi thebirds to move freely, tnnid their confinement shoumld not be for :nlonger ineriod tinan seven days.

61. It ba desirable,where pigeonsmay be detained for seine coxm-shdorablelength of timne before liberation, to place the birds in alarge pen or aviary, or even a small m~mn,so that they can unsetheir wings.

62. With, all basketsin which birds are kept for more than sixhours will be supplied a usater trough, either fixed or detachable.The water should be changedfrequently.

63. Cleanshort wood shavings or chaff should always ho sprinkledon the bottonnof baskets,and changedonce a day when possible.

64. A small quantity of food should ho given livice a day at 7 a.mun.and5 p.m.

6,5. ‘Sexesshould always be separatedwhen thebirds are put intobaskets, Thni~is very essential, as frequemstiv feathers arc badlydamagedamid pulled out in fighting so as to render the birds unfitfor flying.

CHAPTER XIII.COMMUNIOA’HONS FROM ISOLATEI) UNITS.

06. Pigeonsare practically the only agency by which comminiunication can be received with a certain amount of reliability from unitswhich havebecomeisolated,or from bohind the enemy’s lines.

67. These birds have been dropped in baskets from the air withmuch succc~,the following being the bestmethodsadopted.

68. It is not advisableto drop more than two birds at, a time, antifor this purposea standardsized trench pigeon basket measurinmg14~in. x 9 in. X 10 in. is used.

69. Pigeoasarerolled up in a sheetof newspaperand tied aroundtine shoulderswith string. A small holeis made in the paperat theheadso as to allow air to roach the bird

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70. A good foundation of strasvis then placed in the basket, andthe pigeons laid on it, the basket tincn bcimmg filled lighntly withstraw.

71. Messagepad, pencil, mcsstugecarriers, and4 ox. pigeon food, -

enoughfor ‘2 days, are also enclosed.72. The total weight ‘app:roximnateiy is 4~-lbs.73. A parachnunteis then attached to time basket. Tine parachute

is designed to descendwith~a velocity of 30 feet per secondand isconstm-uctedin the usunal way. Tine dimennsiennsare as follow-s —

No. of panels ... ... ... . -. ... 16Length of panel from bottom edge to edgeof

central mote ... ... ... ... ... 15 in.Diameter of central hole ... ... ... ... 8 in.Lemngtln of rigging ... ... ... ... ... 33 in.Length of lamiya~rdfrom bottom of rigging to

basket ,.. ... ... ... ... ... 18 in.(minimn~um)

74. Each panel consistsof an isoscelestriangle, tine sides of w’hicinare ii) inn, amid base9~in., the top 4 in. of each trinuinglo being cut offto 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 tobottom am1d maintainnc’dby roiling tine riggimig loosely round it, carebeing taken to prevent time rigging becomingtammglcd.

To Releaseline Paracinule.

77. Until required for usethe rolled parachute is held on tine topof the basketby meansof a small strap. Whnemn it is desired to dn-opthn~baskettine obsem’ven’ frees tine paracinuitoby undo’imug tine strnup, amidholds tine basket ummnderneathwith mis left hand, amid pressimng theparachnsmteon to tine basket with his n’igiut inamud’ in order to prevenmtit fronin becoming unrolled amid tannglenl by tine wimid.

78. Whnen tine basket is releasedtine observertakescareto give ita s’ufficiemntly strong ‘‘ push ‘‘ so tim’at it inlay safely clear tine tail ofthe imnacinine. As soon a_s it is iii the nuir tine parachnuteumnrohl~itself and is opemnedautomatically by the ‘speedof descent.

79. Tine whole then dm’ifts dow-n wind, failing at tine rate of 30 feetper second,presumnni g tine nuacimimme to be flyimng sip wimid on to tinetarget which gives tine most accumraten’esunlLs.

80. Inn eider thmat good shootimmg may be made, it is, of couurse,necessarythat tine observer sinoumid imave a kmiosvledgeof the speedand direetnomi of tine prevailing winnnl, amid also’ bo able to juidgenceunm’at.elydistanceson tlue gm-mind inn onde’r tlnat lie may make timenecessaryallowance.• 81. In eider to make time obsen’ver’s calculations’ as simjile aspossible it is suggestedthat inc shouldhave with Inimn a tableshowing‘tine necessarygn’ounnd distancesto allow- for variouls hmeighnts, and forvamiouswind speeds. It is suggestedfuithner that, if possible,a smallsmoke cloud sinounid be set up in tine vicinity of tine target to showthe direction of thne wimid, thnoordinary niethnodssuchasdirection flagsbeing absent.

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CHAPTER XIV.

FAILURES AND THE CAUSE.

82. Figum-es provide an eloquenntillustration of the importnmiice ofpigeonwork in tine Royal Air Force. Tine numberof messageswlnichnmayo failed to reach tineir destination is loss tiiain 5 per cent., and ofthis S per coat. a considerableproportron hasbeendue to ignoranceof tine pigeon’s capabilities, tine motinod of hiandling, or improperlym’ttachied messages.

83. Pilots and observerswino have to s-end messagesby pigeonshould tlnoroughniy familiarise thuemselveswithn tine handling of birdsfor Servicework, andthe method of attaching messages.

84. Most failures, so far, mayobeen dune to liberation of birds lateat night whemn time machine and cnew’ were in no immediatedanger.‘lime messagewould probably mayo got thnroungh mad the birds beenheldback till dawn:

85. In one casein which a macmimic crashed, time observer was“ knocked out “ amid thic pilot mad had no experienceof inandlingpigeons. In his attempt to affix a messageboth birds escapedand,but for tine fact that a patrol boat passedsoon afterwards,tine crewmight have been lost.

86. Fair visibility is essentialto a bird in its fligint. If visibi!ityis bad, a pigeon frequently emmdeavoursto perchon tine wing tip oftime macmine.

CHAI~TERXV.

DISPOSAL OF STRAY PIGEONS.

87. Should a messagobe found on any dead, wounded or straypigeon, timo pessageshould be immediately telephonedor telegraphedto the Air Ministry, amid details of the ring number of the pigeomnaund of all marks on the wnngs given. The bim’d itself should besent to the Officer Commanding, Pigeon Service, R.A.F., AirMimmistry, London, unless there is a Naval, Military, or Air ForcePigeon Loft in the immediate vicinity, when it should be takento thnat loft for cunstody to await Air Ministry instructions as todisposal. It should be stated in the telegramor telephonemessagehow- the pigeonhasbeen disposedof.

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 stampedwithn 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 regardedasforeign.)

89. Any pigeonsother than thoso provided for in paragraphs(a)and (b) should ho liberated whorover found, if they are uninjuredand fit to fly.

90. If thebird is injured, is incapableof flight, or will not leavetime vicinity, tine vendors of the rung, as shown below, shnoumid becommunicatedwith and requestedto inform tine owner of the birdof its whereabouts.

13

The foliowing are thenamesamid addressesof Vendors of BritishRings:_ -

Rings marked “ N.U.” ‘The Secretary,(National HomuninigUnion). Tine National Homing Unnon,

14, East Parade,Leeds.

Itimigs marked “ N.U.II.P.” “ Tine Racing Pigeon,”(1~ationmm1Union 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,(ScottishHoming Union). Time ScottishHoming 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 careshould hue taken that all identification lettersor marks am’e correctlygivemu. The fact that a pigeon carm-ies a rubbem- rimig on the leg inaddition to metal rings need not be taken into consideratiomi indeciding asto thebird’s disposal. It should, lnaw’cvor, be noted thata nnossnigomay be carried under thmo rubber ring, amid this shnouildinvnriably be looked for.

CHAPTER XVI.GENERAL INFORMATION.

92. Aitinough, as stated elsew-horo, pigeons are miot intended toreplace any existing messageservice, but to act as an auixihian’y ommiy~there amesonic typesof aim-cm’aft to which time pigeonis immdispemm.sable.For instance, mniacinines unequipped with wireless ni-c depemndentsolely u}xmnn tine pigeon. Directly sonic types of seaplanesti’ike tine,vatem’, WIT is cult of actionamid tine pigeonconiesto tine rescume.

93. Care should be takennet to lose pigeomns down tine fumselnuge—this has often been domne.

94. Observensshould in all caseswherepigeonsare available,makesumre thinnt pigeonsare in time machine beforeleaving omi patrol.

95. Pigeonsmust beprotectedfrom draught during fhiglnt, amid keptaway fm-cnn amny smell of gas.

96. Inn fog or foul weather the return of time pigeon is umnccrtain.Occasionally,however, pigeonshave been kmnowmi to fight their waytlnrougin. In darkness,too, the meturnof a bird is ahuvays doumbtfnmh.Except in casesof extremeurgency, therefore, pigeomis shnoumld notbereleasedwhenconditions such ins theseexist. For examniple,in tineevent ~f a forced landing, tine pigcomn should not ho releasedlate atnight or witinout sufficient time beingallow-ed to inomine in dnylightunless the crew are in immediate danger. It is, of coum-se, aiwnuyspossiblethat time bird may get to land, nestthrough tine dark hmnm’s,andmake for its ouvn left at dawn.

1-1

97. It has frequenntly been found in forcedlandings that pigeons‘Ire drowned w’hnemn the nna-inine dips. - As trained pigeons areextremely valuable amid difficult to replace, care sluoulci be taken toacconunodatetine birds as high ins possible in tine machine tonnimnimnise tine i-isk of timeir uestruction whnen part of the machinezobmerges.

98. Messages sent by pngcons are stnniped “ Amr Pigeon LoftNo “ In thne cuent of stray pigeons eommimng ‘unto thepossessionof R.A.F. units beai-ing messagesstanipcdas above, thesemessagessinoumld be sigmiahied fom’thnwithi to tine Am’ Mimustry, and tineflinnsy en the bird’s leg should be semmt to 0.0. Pigeomn Service,AirNinistny, London.

99. TIne nate at which a pigeon flies varies with tine wind amidweather conditions, but 25 statute miles an inosur may be taken asa faim- nverage. Tine avon-agoweil-bied pigeon is expectedto be ablewiths camefuni training, comnimencingurinous it is about tinree mnonthmsold, to negotiate distancesover lammd imp to SO mile’s during its firstyear, and imp to 250 miles tinesecond.

CHAPTER XVII.

SOME MERITORIOUS PERFORMANCES.

100. A Short seaplanewhilst on patrol was forcedto laud. Twopigeonnswere dispatched,givinng positiomi of tine wreck amid requestingimmediate help, as the macbrine had capsized and was rapidlyim-eakinmg up in tine roumgint sea. Aircraft weme dispatcined, and.having located the wreck, directed a destroyer to it amid the creuvwere consequently rescued. The pigeomi nniestogo was tine firstimifon’nnation n’eceiu-edgiving tine position of tine seaplane.

Two pigeonswere senit onn service imi a Short plane. Thus niachninewas forced to descendowing to engine trouble 30 miles fronn itsbase. A very ineavy seawas running, amid a strong wind prevailedat~hietime. The birds wereliberated togetherat 9.32 a.nn.,and hnomedat 10.32. No new-s whatever concerning the machine had beenmeceived tnmntil these birds arrived. Assistancewas sent, and aftercareful searciningtine machinewas picked up by a motor launch. Tinepilot and observercomisider that the imuforniation conveyed by tinepigoomms wnns tine mneamis of thnenr being rescued.

Seaplamme8666 failed to returmi from patrel. Tine first news camefrom a pigeon message,amid tine cm’ew of six were saved after beingon time water for tinree days. Another pigeon with a similar messageu-as picked up a few miles from tine loft, havingdied from exhaustion.

Sennplaume1250 caine down with emigine trounblo 40 miles from itsbase. Tino news cameby pigeonmessage,andtine macminewas foundandbroughtback in tow.

• Seaplane1608 descendedwmth engine trouble ~30 miles from it.sbase. Tine news cn~meby pigeon mesE~age,‘and the macmine un-asbrought back in tow. Tine birds had to fly against a i-cry s-tronrand cold N.W. wind.

Seaplane451’l• camedown on the water 45 miles out, News cainefrom ~t pigeonmessage,a’nd the machinewaspicked up by ‘a monitorjust before dark.

15

Seaplane1098 cannedown and wan unable to rise again. The firstnews was a pigeonmessage,saying “ One float gone; simmlning.” Themacininowasfound and brougint back.

Seapiamne8660, down omn tine water witin engine trouble 200 milesfrom the baser amid attacked by tinree enemy nnncliines. A pigeonreturnedw-ith message,eo’mntaimiing this imiformnnation, in five hnonirs

Sciuplanno 45l~2erasinenl 10 miles frommi time’ base, one pigeon beingdrownedin tine crash. Tine other pigeo’mn was liberated,mtoul althnouezhalmost drouwned, returned with a mnie~ageinn tinnic for ‘assistance10be sent. All time crow weresaved.

Seaplane4305 was shot down inn flames by five c’nmem~’ nnmachinesahoumt 50 miles from the base. A pigoonn brouughit this imnfornmmatiomn,and three of the crew were nuaved after lnoiing in tine water llnrce-quartersof an lmounr.

A Short seaplane,whilst on patroi, was forced to land. A pignuonnwas rcieaa’d at 4 p.m. requicstimng hucip. The pigeomn reached thiniof~at 4.22, huau-imig flowmn a distammee of 22 miles in •2•2 minumtes.Assistancewasimnncdiately ~ennt,amid all the crouv were saved. Theseaat tine tunic was rough, anid tine machninerapidly breakingup.

A I).H. 6 was forcedto descendthrougin engimnetrouble. A pigeonarrived with a niossungoto this effect, ~nnl a destroyer wins din-cctcdto search for tine pilot, wino was picked imp after lie had becin iii thewater an hnouir, his mnuacinimiehaving sunk fifteen minuntcsafter laud.ing.

A machum’was forced to land at sea, owing to thick fog. A birdwas m-eleasedwith a ten knot wind against it. Althnoumghn tine pilotmad completely lost his bemnringsowinig to fog, tine pigcomn mntdestraight off for land without hc~itation.

A machimie was forced to land. Two pigeons reachedthe loft innan heunr. They flew tinn’oungin a ineavy thummdorstornunand higin winduigaimnst thcmn.

l)unring us pencil of sevomitcenuiionthms, onn one station alone, l)irdswore liberated on SO occasions fromin aircraft in diflicumhty and oftenactualperil. In 45 casestue pigeons bn-oungiit the first informnuution,and s~nnecessfun1action wastaken. Onme of tine bi?dswas suet throughtine left eye in action, but suicceecledimi m’eaeiningits loft.

Acconnmodntioni fan birds ...

Accustonniui’~bird to weariung messagecarrierAeroplanes, use of pigeonns fm-cnnAirships, useof

1nmgeomis fn’om -.

Air spacerequired fon- eachn pigeonAir uraimiimm~ tosses ... ...

Arn-ival of bird, unotifyiuig ...

Auxiliary messagescmvice, pigeons as . -.

Baskets birds kept in •. -

for dm-oppimmg pmgcomms to isolated unitsseparation of sexes when in

Jiatius .. .,. . .

Breeding, instn’uctionnsfon’ - -. . ... . -.

~onumnuninnicatiomis from isolated unitsConisignnnientNote (F.S. Ferns 268).Daily exercise ... ... ...

Despatehingmessage.. ..

Diinnenusionnsof paracEutefor dropping pigeonsDisposal of messagewhen received

Dis~ness‘‘ signals ... .-.

Drinkimnc watcm- .

Dropping pigeons by parachuteDuplicate niicssages, senndnng of . .,, . -‘

Eggs ~. . . . ... ..

Ehectrical apparatusfor trap ...

Equupmmientledger (Army Book 163).Equnipunuont requuired for standard loftFailuircs and the cause ... ...

Feodiumg, daily nations per birdFeeding inside baskets ... ...

Feeding imiside loft ... ...

Fixing parachtnte to pigeon basket ...

Fog and darkness,return of pigeons througinGeneral information ... ...

Grit ... - - ... - ..‘.

Holding the pigeon (see also uhhunstratnon)Identifications of stray R.A.F. pigeonsIsolated units, comniunnncatiensfreni - -.

Label, R.A.F. Depot (F.S. Form 205).Label, returnedcnipty basket (F.S. Form 267).Label, ti-aining (F.S. Fom-mn 205).Liberation withount messages... ...

Loft nuumnagernent.. ... ...

Loft serial mnunibers, ,.. ...

Log Book (F.S. Form 279).Mating ... -.. ... ...

Meritorious performances • ...

Messagecarrier • .. ... ..

carrier, method of fixing~ pad . .. ..

pad. (l’s. Form 197).Messages,despotchingof - . - . . -

,, found on stray pigeons ... 16, 87, 88, SO, 90,

16

INDEX.PAIl A

... 1048

33,4233, 40, 41

1020, 22

I192

- . ... GO(is65

- - 56‘2S—34

• .. 66

58

7330-14cit66

-. 43- . ... 29

11

1482

. 3364

fiG92.3,3

36, 831666

444716

231003846

• ... 37

3691

Islessages,how to write ...

stampedfor identificationNighnt, traininmg to fly atOpeun loft ... ... ...

Packimng pigeons for du-opping to isolated unitsParachiumte for dropping pigeonsI’erches,~iummiberof ..

Persomnmnelnuqnmired for stamidan’dloftPigoomi attendants ..

Pigeonsdi-opped to isolated tnuiitsPigeoun log book, birds sent on scrvncePigeons log book (1”.S. ‘279).Pigcomnunnessages,uso of ...

Pigeomis, replacemnemntofProtectimig pigeomis fronni dn-aughit nnd smnchlRelease at intervals ...

Releaseof ~ugeomnsfromin aemopluuues... . -.

Releaseof pigeomis fromn airships ... . -.

Releaseof ~nigeommsfrom seaplaunes ... . -.

Releaseof pigeonswith messagesReleaseof

1narachuitowith pigeons

Releasewhilst jun flight - - -

ltepiacenicnntof pigeons - -.

Betimm-mn of pigcomns thmnoumghn fog and darkness-Seaplanncs

1unseof pigcomis from

Sea trnimimng tosses ...

Sending bin-ds on senviceService pigcomns homing withount messagesService pigeons, liberation w-ithiouit nines-sagesSen-ice, semndimng birds onSerial iiumuiber of loft ...

Speedof pigeomu ,.. ...

Sitting ... ... ...

Stonesrequuired for standard loftStray pigeons, disposal ofStray R.A.F. pigeons how dealt withnTraining pigeons, faci’ities for

liberation inn ham-go batcines,, mnetisedof

Traps for loft ... ..

Weekly Reports (F.S. Form 196).Weekly Return (F.S. Foi’m 196).Winmgs stampedfor identificationYoung, ready for serviceYoung, removedfrom parentsYonmnug, tramming of - -. ...

F.S. Form 19G.—WeeklyReports.197._MessagePads.

,, ,, 263,—Label Trainirm~.,, ,, 26G.—Label R.A.F. Depot.

267.—Label returnied empty basket.268.—ConsignmentNote.

,, ,, 270._Log Book.Army Book 1G5.—Equuipme~ntLedger.

163331:J4

17

PAnIA.• - - . - - ... 35

16,35,5224—27... 59

69731214

13, 146631

35159343

-‘ ... 42- -. ... 40, 41

-1236

77, 784513

... 9635,42

ii)Si44445116

... 0930

... 1487US

IS, 19, 2021

17—2511

Printed underthe authorityof hIi~Majesty’sStnutiommeryOfficeBy DAllLI~.GA~DJ ~13~CP~ST1t~uWm’, E.2