Pigeons in The Great War PDF [PDF]

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fl~iç~eoiis in tbe ~eat ‘~LUar A Complete History of the Carrier— Pigeon Service during the Great War, 1914 to 1918

BY

LT.—COL.

A. H. OSMAN.

London: “The “Racing Pigeon” Publishing Co.. Ltd., 19, Doughty Street, London, W.C.1.

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CONTENTS. CHAPTER

PAGE

iNTRODUCTION

I.

II. III.

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PIGEON WAR COMMITTEE hISTORICAL

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ThE NAVAL PIGEON SERVICE

IV. TUE MILITARY SERVICE V. AIR FORCES .. VI. INTELLIGENCE SERVICE

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ILLUSTRATIONS. LIEUT.-COL.

A. 11.

OSMAN

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Frontispiece.

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NOTICE—OPEN LETTERS FROM PARIS

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COLLODIUM FILM (ACTUAL SIZE) .. REPRODUCTION OF ENVELOPE—TOURS

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page

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page 14 page 15

facing page MAJOR IV. H. OSMAN—CAFT. E. BURDEN—LIEUT. J0IIN II. JACQUES —CAFT.C.E.L.BRYANT .. .. .. .. .. .. GERMANS LOADING BIRDS ON TO AEROPLANE—MOTOR MOBILE LOFT.. THE DUNDEE LIFE-SAVER—”WUN HI”

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CAMOUFLAGED MOBILE LOFTS—GERMAN LOFT

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CERTIFICATE

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A LOFT OF RESERVES

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DESPATCII RIDER—BIRDS PACKED FOR CAVALRY USE—RELEASING PIGEON FROM AEROPLANE .. .. .. .. .. .. SnIPPING MESSENGERS—TARING BIRDS FROM PIGEON WITR METAL MESSAGE.HOLDER .. A LIFE-SAVER .. .. .. .. ..

A CONVOY OF REINFORCEMENTS

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GAS

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A STATIONARY LOFT—A MOBILE LOFT .. .. .. .. .. MAJOR ALEC IVALEY, M.C.—CAFT. E. E. JACRSGN—CAPT. GERALD LOCRETT—LIEUT. F. ROMER, O.B.E. .. .. -. .. LUCK”

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AGENT BEING DROPPED BY PARACRUTE..

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MONS. JULES WITH A BRITISH PIOEON—CAFT. IV. —GOOD-BYE! .. .. .. .. ..

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PROTECTOR—

DESPATCII RIDERS LEAVING HORSE GUARDS—A FEW LOFTS WAITING TO BE STOCKED .. .. .. .. .. .. ..

‘‘CRISP, V.C.”—’’PILoT’S

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LEA RAYNER ..

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56

INTRODUCTION. ON the 17th August, 1928, I received a letter from my old chief under whom I last served on the Headquarter’s Staff at Horse Guards, saying that “during the war he scarcely or properly appreciated all that pigeons did for the cause,” adding, “Now I know better.” Neither the general public, nor fanciers themselves, I fear, have ever appreciated the scope of the carrierpigeon service during the great war. It has taken me a good many years to decide to compile some details that may assist in the removal of any doubt that time carrier-pigeon service on all fronts was a valuable one. Towards the end of the war 1.50 British mobile lofts, with complete equipment, were in active service on the French and Italian fronts. This will give some little idea of the extent and usefulness of the service. In addition to mobile lofts, we had stationary or fixed lofts, and iii England we had a series of lofts for intelligence work at stations along our coast line from Newcastle-on-Tyne to Hastings. I received much sympathy and help in the arduous work undertakemi in connection with the carrier-pigeon

5

from Col. II. (lit Waiteville, Capialit Ashniead Bartlett and General Sliuw. To these officers I feel it my ditty to oiler thanks lot the consideration at all times shown me. From the original pigeon service, evolved to help trawlers not fitted with wireless coinminiication to send reports of observations and findings to th’e Admiralty, w’as eventually evolved the three important carrier-pigeon services of the Army, Air Force and Navy. service

I shall first of all deal with the formation of the war committee that helped to allay the suspense and alarm that rested on all keepers of pigeons when war broke out. Iii later chapters I shall i’elate some few of the services performed by birds and men in the different spheres of action. Throughout the duration of the war, fanciers loyally helped in every possible means in their power; and io the credit of our sport be it said every pigeon supplied to the British Army at the front or for home (lefeilce was given free of cost to the country. Quite 100,000 pigeons passed through my hands for active service, and not a single bird for any of the services was ever enlisted unless certain it was sound and capable for the work it was likely to be called upon to perform. It was impossible to say when any bird might be the last resource of a platoon, or airman l)rought down on the ocean.

From the inception of the service I impressed upon the authorities that to be a success the pigeons at their lofts must be in the hands of experts, and every man enlisted ha(T to pass a strict examination as to his capal)ilities as a fancier and trainer. 8

Mcii may be taught to shoot, lire guii S 01’ d jill, but, as I)arwin says in the ‘‘Origin of Species,’’ ‘‘It takes years to become a successful pigeon fancier.” It was by the enlistment and co-operation of successful pigeon fanciers that the usefulness of the carrierpigeon service was attained, and to officers and men who assisted in this good work I take this opportunity of tendering mimy sincere thanks. I must also put oii 1ecOI’(l the (lebt owing to the “News of the World,” whose columns were of the greatest service during the war, both for the purpose of obtaining’ men for enlistment aII(l the collection of birds for the service, also for the publicity fi’oni time to time we were able to give of brave (leeds performed by our birds on active service on the few occasions that the Press Censor permitted.

CHAPTER I PIGEON WATt COMMITTEE. TMMEIn,\’I’EJx after war was declared a ban phaceil on the removal of pigeons or their transit

was by

mail.

Railways were givell notice that they must not carry pigeons for flight or from owner to owner. Loyal fanciers who felt the call to arms and wished to enlist were thus prevented from disposing of their pigeons. Following this stoppage of transit, police visits were made to fanciers’ lofts and all confined prisoner pigeons condemned, the owner was compelled to clip their wings to prevent their flight, or give them their freedom. Many valuable birds were lost through this regulation. Time War 0111cc then had the good sense to consult 011 the sul)~ect of regulations and other matters associated with the sport, and I at once got in touch with Mr. Percy Illingworth and Mr. Basil Thompson, of the CI.T)., who had charge of secret service regulations and was responsible for the edict stopping the transit of pigeons by rail. Having fully discussed the matter with Mr. Illingworth and Mr. Basil Thompson, I was authorised to draw lip and issue a special label permitting the transit of pigeons when sold or being’ sent to shows, and it was on my suggestion that the N.H.U. should, if they desired, take over this business in its entirety. me

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Soon after this it was decided to form a Voluntary

Pigeon War Committee consisting of Messrs. Handel Booth, Godfrey Isaacs, representing wireless, the President of the N.H.U., its Secretary, Mr. J. T. Hincks, Mr. A. W. Skinner and myself. This Committee, in the first place, drew up a useful illustrated brochure divided in chapters and illustrated with photographs of ‘‘The Carrier,” “The Dragoon,’’ ‘‘Time Show Ilonier’’ and ‘‘Time ilacing Pigeon.’’ Time object in giving these illustrations was to help the police to (hscrnninate between the different varieties of pigeons that could and could not be used as messenger carriers. Shortly after this , under the Defence of the Realm Regulations, Regulation 21 was incorporated as follows :— No person shall keep or have in his possession or carry or lii)erate or bring iiito the United Kingdom any carrier or horning pigeons, unless he has obtained from time chief officer of police of the district a permit for the purpose, and if any person without lawful authority contravenes the provisions of this regulation he shalt be guilty of an offence against these regulations, and the chief officer of police or any officer of customs and excise may, if he con siders it necessary or expedient to do so, cause any pigeons kept or brought into time United King(lom in contravention of this regulation to be liberated, detained or destroyed, or, in the case of pigeons brought into the United Kingdom, to be immediately returned ill the ship iii which they came. Any person found in possession of or found carryimig or liberating any carrier pigeons shall, if 9

so required by nov naval or mili t ai’y officer or by ally sailor or sold in’ engaged on seiii r~pat roi or other sinilam’ duty, ni by any ouli i’er of police, produce his permit, and if iie fails to do so, may he ai’i’ested. Following is a eop~’of the permit referred to iii the regulations

T)EFENCE OF TIlE EEALM ThEGULATTONS. lIeguhation 21. Nmunber ,T181 FEThMIT TO KEEP CARRIETI 011 HOMING PIGEONS. 1(1 All whom it may concern. By Virtue of the Powers vested iii me muider the provisions of Ihegulatioti 21 of the Defence of the Realm II egnlat ions, I hereby grail t pel’misSi on to the Person named below to he in possession of Carrier or homing’ Pigeons, not exceeding one hundred and fifty in number, to be kept (iii open loft at ‘‘Apsley house,’’ Cambridge Park, Leytonstone.

NAME OF TTOLDER. A. II. Osnman, Christian Name, Alfred Registered Postal Address, as above. S. Allan Sykes, (Superintendent Tinekupy Police Station. A. Osman, Signature oF Holder. DatQ, 5th Jima, 1915. 10

“51,

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The holder of this Permit is not authorised thereby to liberate ally carrier or hionung pigeon away ironi its own loft. Iii order to carry any carrier or homing pigeomm, it is necessary to obtain time prescribed official label from the Police. Time holder should carefully note time provisions of the Eem~ulation,which is prmntecl on the other side. This permit may be revoke(l at aiiy time. Whilst exhibitions of pigeons were permitted to be carried out, for the lime being all training and racing of pigeons was stopped. Lord Kitcheimer was then head of the Il/ar Office. He was a stern (lisciphnarian, amid I learned at a later (late lie had the strongest objection to pigeons on account of the danger of their use for iiiter-communi— cation by spies, who infested our country at th~ outbreak of war. Lord Kitehener was right in time strong lines taken at these early stages, hut lie did not foresee time great possibility that pigeons might offer, nor was lie apparently aware of time preparations time Gentmans had made long before the war to have an efficient mobile pigeon service.

As an instance of this a German doctor, shortly before the war, paid visits to various lofts in England, making full enquiries arid taking copious notes relative to the breeding of pigeons, amid also making full enquiries as to whether our WTar Office was in touch with fanciers for the purpose of their use. Moreover, a full-blooded German started a loft adjacent to 19, Doughty Street, London, to which he trained pigeons. These pigeons were all destroyed during the early stages of time war, and the “gentle11

man,’’ who represented himself to be a ‘‘Dane,’’ has not been seen or heard of since his arrest. So I was not worried by such a neighbour very long after the war commenced. Police permits numhei’iug 500,000 were issued tiuring the war to pigeoll keepers, North Staffordshire and Lancashire applyIng’ tot’ the greatest number. ‘When the difficulty of obtaining’ corn and food for pigeons arose, with time help of the Controller I was able to obtain supplies for oil l)l’eeders of racing pigeons who undertook to biced birds for tIme forces.

12

CHAPTER II TIISTOILICAL.

ON the 16th November, 1870, the following notice posted at the General Post Office, London:’—

was

OPEN LETTEIL~for FAthIL Transmigsion of by carrier Pige~rns.

THE Diroctor’Geswral of the French Post Office has informed this Department that a special Despatch, by means of Carrier Pigeons, of correspondence addressed to Paris has been o~tablishedst Tours, and that such Despatch may ho made use of for brief letters, or noteS, originating in the United Kingdom, and forwarded by post to Tours Persons desirous of availing themselves of this mode of tranrmissioa mast observe the following conditions:— Every letter must be posted open, that is, without roy cover or envelope, and without any s~ai,and it must he regi~tered No letter must Consist of mote than twenty words, including tim address and the signature of the sender. but the name of the addressee, the place of his abode, nod the name of the sender—although composed of more than one word—wili each be counted as one word only No figures must be used, the number of the boone of the addinsr,rio must be given in words Combined words joined together by hyphens or apostrophes will be counted according to the number of words makiug up the combined word The letters must be writtefi entirely in French, in clear. into1’,iç~iblo language Thoy must relate solely to private affairs, and no political allusion or reference to theWar will be permitted. The charge for those letters is five-pence f~revery word, and this charge must be prepaid, in addition to the pontago of sixponco for a single registered letter addressed to i’r~r.icg The Director-General of the French Post Office, in notifying this arrangenient, has stated that his office cannotguarantee the safe delivery of this corrospondence, and will not bela any way rorpcnziblo for it.

I~yCommand of the Pes1master-~enen~1. (iENKIAL

POST OPPICIiI.

16th November, 1870. In.~.d

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This was the outcome of arrangements to despatch messages to the besieged citizens of Paris during the siege of Paris, 1870-1871. U. U. Dagron, who was Ihe photographer on the balloon “Niepcè,” that left )3aris on November 12th, 1870, subsequently published a thrilling account of his adventures. Two balloons left Paris at the same time—”Le Niepcè” and the “Daguerre.” The lattbr was shot down in sight of the passengers on the “Niepcb,” which escaped by jettisoning part of its baggage and rising to a greater altitude. Subsequently, landing inside the enemy lines, the party, by the help of French peasants, obtained disguises and escaped after the loss of the second balloon. After many adventures ~enroute through the enemy lines, they arrived at Tours with their pigeons on November 21st. Owing to the large number of despatches received, the messages were photographed very small in order flint as many as possible could be carried by the same pigeon. The photographs were on little thin films of collodium and each film would hold 2,500 messages. The small picture of one of these original collodium pigeon despatches is in my possession and is reproduced of exact size. This coliodium pigeon despatch was sent into Path from Tours during the siege. It contains 200 letters of 2,182 words; its weight was a gram, and the postage paid on this message was 1,000

francs, equal to £40.

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In a lecture on the subject by Capt. G. G. Aston, of the loyal Marine Artillery, which I attended, he gave the following fable of figures of birds tossed during the Paris siege aiid ihose that home(1 safely with the messages :— Mouth. Tossed. Arrived. September aiui October 105 22 November 17 December 49 12 January 43 3 February 22 3 ... .

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From these figures it will be seen that the percentage was a very small one, little more than 25 per cent., but it must be borne in mind that it was an emergency service; untrained birds were suddenly called upon to do the work during winter months. The result was very difierent during the recent war, when 99 per cent. of the messages sent were safely delivered, winter or summer, rain or shine, showing the advantage of using selected birds of pedigree, trained and in the hands of experts. In consequence of the services remlered by pigeons in the manner mentioned, European nations gave some little attention to the development of the pigeon service. In the Boer War they rendered some useful work by carrying despatches arid plans out of Ladysmith, and as the war proceeded it was decided to make same little use of them by erecting small lofts. After the conclusion of the Boer War some birds were shipped to Nigeria for the purpose of establishing intercommunication between tha South and North. By this 10

means, if the 1)laCkS caused trouble at one station, pigeon messages could l)e sent to the other and relief sent flint could attack the revolutionists in the rear. The a(lve1it and iJflI)Fovenieiit of wireless has been the means of doing away with the use of pigeons for many services, but for espionage, scout service work and many important (luties pigeons will never be replace(l. A pigeon silently flies through the air; there is no wave that indicates its use, iiothiing that indicates its point of departure or destination.

17

CHAPTER III THE

NAVAL PIGEON SERVICE.

WnEN the War Comnmitittee referred to in Chapter I was formed I expressed the opinion flint it might be called upon to function in coimection with the use of pigeons as messengers at no distant (late. Hostilities had not been in progress many months before this view materiahised, and the Admiralty decide(l that pigeons might render useful services. One of the earliest steps taken by the enemy was to lay mines in the North Sea to en(langer our merchant shipping as well as naval work. It l)ecame necessary to organ we a service of trawlers for mine sweeping, for whiclì service our fishing fleet of trawlers bravely responded. Many of these trawlers, when they put to sea, had no means of reporting progress or comnmuimi~ cating with their base. I felt I could not accept the position of lieutenant in the ThN.V.R. offered to organise this service, but Mr. Homer, having at that time just retired from professiomial work and having relations in the Navy, was offered and accepted the post, with my son as assistant.

My son had previously, on several occasions, offered himself for enlistment for active service, but on account 18

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of (lefeefive eyesight and va.ricocele, was rejected. He was therefore glad of some opportunity of service in the war. To he of service the owners of lofts to be employed were chosen from those living as near the coast as possible. The service was placed under the (lirectioll of Col. Dixon, a most eflicient officer and organiser, with JAeut. homer as expert pigeon officer. having obtamed a complete list of suitable lofts, letters were addressed to the owners asking their cooperation and the use of them birds. In no single ease was a refusal met with. Although the service was started in October, 1914, when the birds were badly in moult, I at once put every bird in my loft in training, as my home loft was only 30 miles from the coast. I had 60 birds at that time. Over 30 had flown 400 miles, as my loft had just got to the top of its form in 1914, and although these birds were trained (lay after day throughout the winter of 1914 and from then on throughout the war, my losses were compara— tivelv nil.

and 500

The distance birds had to fly for time Naval pigeon service was from 70 to 150 miles. By giving them constant liberty in all weathers, they covered these distances winter and summer with regularity. As an example, on three successive weeks I had one pigeon home from the middle of the North Sea bringing dispatches and she was one of those subsequently awarded a certificate of merit for her work in this service. Some of these messages were of a thrilling nature, but the receivers were riot allowed to divulge their 19

contents. In some cases they were in code, amid of course it was then impossible to decipher them. I remeudier one of the despatchies my birds carried from the North Sea described air attack made upon the mine—sweeping fleet by a Zeppelin, the first time a ~eppehiu ever left Germany to attack us. The skipper of the trawler described what had taken place and flint tire mine sweepers remained uninjured and were al)le to continue their work after t.he Zeppelin had tried to destroy them. Evidently at this stage the aim of the Zeppelin clew was not very accurate at objects on the sea. When it is remembered the rough passage these birds had, sometimes sparsely fed, amid that they were often liandhed by brawny sailormen who had been given but few lessons in fastening messages on the birds before use, it is surprising how consistently and well they homed. A credit to their breeduig and to the owners who, like myself, did not hesitate to offer their very best birds for the service. On one occasion I lost three of my most valuable birds am1 never heard of them again. I felt sure, if given their liberty at any distance or almost in any weather, these birds would have homed. It was not until after the conclusion of the war flint I heard my good pigeon 1100 and the other two lost with him must have been sunk by a torpedo by the enemy, as the trawler, with all hands on board as well as the pigeons, after putting to sea, was never heard of again. Some of the skippers of these trawlers got very fond of the pigeons and treated them as friends, but there was sometimes a comic side to the messages sent. 20

One skipper sent a message: “All well; having beef pudding for dinner.’’ As owners had to take nil messages received to the nearest post office, this message would pass through to the Lords of the Admiralty and then back to the base to which this particular trawler’ was attached. For the duration of the war the skipper was known as ‘‘Beef Puddings.’’ One of the most fortunate and meritorious Performances in the naval service was that of the red chequer cock know-n as ‘‘Crisp, V.C.’’ \Vheii the skipper of the trawler ‘‘Nelson” was attacked by a ‘‘IT’’ boat, lie defied the Germans amid fought his ship to the last. Lying mortally wounded on the deck, he scribbled a hasty message which was sent off by this pigeon. This was his last act before he died. The pigeon carried it to a vessel in the vicinity and help was sent to the gallant trawler crew. It arrived in time to save the rest of them from (Tenth. Skipper Crisp was awarded the posthumous V.0. The naval pigeon service was continued throughout the duration of the war, but in some cases was gradually superseded as the trawlers became fitted with wireless. Fanciers

in recent years since the war have no doubt much to thank this branch of tire service for, as it introduced racing pigeons to a class of men who are irow often able to render them first aid. if driven to sea. Many birds in distress take refuge for the night on the friendly mast or deck of a trawler and being brought to land on completion of the cruise in the morning, they are liberated with a message accounting’ for their absence. These good offices

should

diately acknowledged. 21

invariably be imnie-

They are frequently the act of men who learned to a kindly feeling for their winged messengers during the war, but who, nevertheless, deserve the best thanks of fanc!iers for saving their favourites from a watery grave. Some 600 to 000 owners were awarded certificates for the meritorious perfonnances of the birds they lent for naval purposes. This list was published in the “Racing Pigeon,” May 31st, 1010, ring numbers of the birds and names of owners being set out, but the particular meritorious performances are not given. An illustration of the certificate appears facing this page. have

22

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sERVICE.

Ix the early stages of tire w’ar there was no co-ordina— tioii l)etweell the Nirvv and Army. Each Command took such steps in oi’gaiIiSiiig as was deemed expedient, and no doubt for a time there was overlapping. Hardly hind we started to establish the Naval pigeon service referred to in Chapter III, than I received an urgent message from the W’ar Office to meet Col. Maud. rflris officer discussed with Inc tire situation with regard to pigeons, and stated that a Home Defence pigeon service was expeditiously needed for the whole of the Eastern coast of England, consulting me as to the best means of its estal)hishluent. I considered tire best means of meeting the request was to form a volunteer service without requisitioning lofts, and that by this means fanciers capable of conditioning their birds and keeping them fit if called U~O1i iii emergency would be at tire disposai of the Command. If necessary, should the enemy effect a landing, these owners could at once be put in uniform. Col. Maud thought the scheme an excellent one and begged me to undertake tire work of its immediate organisation, with the rank of Captain. 23

)rtt side the Iii gher Coiiiiiia nd few of t lie public are a ware of the fear’ that was cut cr1 a med of a sel’iotl s iiivasioii umal I ire steps taken to meet such an

010 L’IgOIi C\’.

I pointed out to Colonel Maud t hat mv paper, The Boeing Pigeoir,’ in ight be the means of ohl aol— i tig vomit tec’i’s atid birds for tire Service, it ii d the o tily (‘Oliditiolls upon winch I could undertake the work was that of a hionorar i’ank~—witIioutpay—amid I was apporited to organise and i’ommaiid the first Carrier— Pigeon Service in the British Army on tirese terms. Fronr tile clay I accepted a conimissioir until the cmii— pletion of tire war I w-orked on tirese termirs. ‘

~\UiiIsl in the midst of selecting sites for home defence (icpnts aird arrali git g (let ails, a call carrie froiri I’m’ancc to enlist (hO inca for’ active service in tire Carrier—Pigeon Service. It was imirpossihie to deal with his toni let’ as w’ehl as proceed witir time om’ganisation we hind in hand. These (hO men w’ere therefore enlisted at Leeds by the N.H.IT., but at a later (late, when the ironic defence service was established arid iii working order, all other irreir and Carrier-Pigeon Service requireirrents foi’ tire Army were dealt with by tIre Carrier-Pigeon Service at headquarters, Horse Guards under my command. At tire outbreak of war tire British Array had riot paul any serious consideration to the use of pigeons, evidently relying on tire field telegraph signals and w’ireless. Tire enemy, however, much more adequately l)r’e.pame(i for war’ than the allied forces, had evidently given tins subject close consideration as, during the earliest days of tire war, botir they and the Freneir brought into use a well-organised pigeon service with mnOh)ile lofts fully equipped with pigeons. 24

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In tire defence of Verdumr pigeons hoover! their’ great value, arid wei’o eventually time ouiy means of corn— nrunica I iotr for’ this front when all oilier’ irteans had failed, amid some of tire mnessages sent were of a thm’ml— hug nurture during February arid April, 1910. Following are translations of tire act ual messages carried from Verdun by pigeons 28th February. 14.40. 2 pigeons. Colonel I GO at (place) Verdun. ‘‘A st rorrg enemrrv’at tack has outfin a Iced C Ira IiIph)n and is now directed on the Ti’esnn’s Montg’nioirt Eparges. (Telephmoir ic) cut by a strong Lonrilorrdmrmcn±. We are resisting. ~i4.’’ 29th February. 8.40. ‘‘Driving tire day yesterday and night tire bombard— irmenit of tire posit ion continues. No in fairtr’v attack in I sector’. A deserter gave irinirseif up last night at Bois Carve according to inmni the Germans have withdrawn troops to take fhrenr to tho right hamik.’’ (itir March. 1T.41j. ‘‘Enemy attack continues at Bethincourt at 19.45. Barrage obtained lately has riot been able to impede progress. ‘‘About a battalion has beeir able to coircemitrate in tire woods between B’ethimrcourt amrd Rafficourt. Artillery iras fired omr tirese woods. All coirmiuni— catiomrs broken with 1 Brigade. ‘‘(Corheaux \Voods) Bethiireom’t always held by a battalion of tire 220 N. All dispositiomrs taken foi’ irolding’ on Mom’tlromine. ‘‘Very violent boirrbai’dmemrt of our litres. Send relief to Souville um’g’eritiy.’’ April 16. 6.25 n.m. ‘‘Tire German counter-attack has been repulsed by tire Companies occupying tire Hautville Trench and he 2~

has entrenched a little in front of his old front. Artillery barrage is necessary on A.U.C. 9x. The 1st Battalion of tire 3Gth is iii position a little N. of the T)rirrmrt Tremmein. Serious losses, at least 50 per’ cent. of tire effectives. lleinrforcenrenri s urgent.’’ These and othrer despatches were cari’ied through shell fire arid barrage whilst tire defence of Verdun held out. It is said the defence of Verdurr worm the war; if so, pigeons, by their courage, helped to win it. Major Alec Waiey, who was appointed O.C. CarrierPigeon Service on tire French front, gave some interesting’ details recently, iii arr article in tire ‘‘Morning Post,’’ of tire use of pigeons iii tire battle of time Somnre and tire iinportanr t messages carried by themn in this great battle. Followiirg extracts are from that article

“It was on Septenrlrer 25th that the Guards Division were to attack Les Bwufs and Goudecourt. Tire pigeon lofts whicir serve(1 this Division were two molnile lofts sited at Minden Post, a few innmrdred yards behind Carnoy, anr(l thus about teir miles as the pigeomr flies from Les Bmirfs. ‘‘From early in tire morning the pigeoir despatch riders had beeir carrying the birds up in large stock baskets to tire different Battalion Headquarters and to the Guards Advanced Divisiomr B.C. at Bernafay Wood. rtECoiti)ING

‘mm: Am)v,rNcE.

‘‘It was a typical September ~iay,arid good for’ fly— ing, but tire artillery preparation was deafening, and tested the birds to tire limit. Messages begamr to come iii from 2 p.m., arid tire regularity with which the birds homed and tire advance could be followed was quite remarkable. 26

.ç\

~

“The messages given below are worth studying. Visualise the conditions under which they were sent, and then picture the two lofts with a few officers and men awaiting the birds. One sees them arriving from afar, over the howitzer batteries before Carnoy; a few circling flights around the lofts, always lower and lower, then with a flutter on to the loft, and then into the trapping box. “The message-carrier is at once taken off the bird’s leg, its little flimsy message form extracted, and the context ‘phoned through instantly to Corps and Didsion R.Q.’s. And then there is a feed for the bird. In every case ltD. stands for the hour at which the Division received the message, and some were through in remarkable time. itisssOze.

TEXT UP

“From: Give to Gain. 25/9/10. “Messages now received from all Companies in Brown Line. Just about to advance to Blue at proper hoar. Artillery fire a bit short. Shovels wanted. Rave seen Colonel Campbell, and shall proceed myself to village. Resistance feeble. “Place: Green Line. Time: 2.46 p.m. “Sender’s Signature: B. McCabnont, Lt.-Colonel. 11.1).: 3.20 p.m. “From: Gallant to Gain. 25/9/10. “Rave only one officer left. Could Newton and Transport Officer be sent up to-night Am now advancing through the village of les Bonds, supported by 2nd Battalion Coldstreams. “Sender’s Signature: Cit. Tinte: 2.45 p.m. ltD.: 3.10 p.m. “Prom: D. 85 to Z. 8. 25/9/10. 57

‘‘Message from Welsh Guards reports enemy are turning their left flank, which is iiot in touch with th~ 21st 1)ivisioii. A Battalion urgently wanted to fill the gal).

‘‘Place 3. Time: 3.37 p.m. ‘‘Sender’s Signature : 11. S. Lambert, Capt. 1l.D.: 3.59 p.m. ‘‘From O.C., L.F. Coy. 211d Bn. Scots Guards to Great. ‘‘The 2nd Battu. Seots Guards have ieached and consolidated their objective. 1st Brigade, on our right, have pushed through Les Banifs, and are digging themselves in about 50 yards E. side of village. The 21st Division appears to be held up on the left flank of the 4th Grenadiei’s, who are on the left of tins Bat— alion, and are very badly iii the air. For this reason, the left half Battalion First Grenadiers was unable to push on to the 3rd objective, and have now dug themselves in 100 yards behind the 2nd objective. Am trying to establish (let ensive flank on left 4tl~Grenadiers. All the Officers of the 4th Grenadiers appear to be casualties. “Place: N. 33, d.7.3. Time: 3.50 p.m. “Sender’s Signature : V. A. Cochrane Baillie, Lieut. IILD.: 4.25 p.m. “From: P. 85 to Z. 8. 25/9/16. “Message received from front line B. 87, 3.15 p.m., reports P. 83 on 3rd objective. P. 87, D. 85 on sunken road, N. 34 A. and D. Troops appear to be echeloned towards the left. Message from left Company, IJ. 85, 2.15 p.m., reported 1)eing at N. 33. B. 22 with their left not in touch with the 21st Division, who are held up on the first German Line. A boiiibiiig fight is now iii progress on left of P. 89, about N. 32, P.7.4. Situahon at that point dangerous. 28

“Sender’s Signature: IL S. Lambert, Capt. Time: 5.15 p.m. ‘‘On this day, on the Somme front alone, over 400 operation mesages came hack from tanks and the attacking forces. “Not a bad record for the 1)igeolls, and a good mark to the stout lads who had to take them lip with them over barbed wire, trenches, and shell craters, and so oil into the Unknown.” In the Battle of the Somine the French alone used 5,000 pigeons, and only 2 per cent, of the birds released with messages failed to retmii, notwithstanding shell fire and adverse weather conditions on many occasions. But the loss of 2 per cent, of the pigeons did not mean the failure to deliver any important messages carrie(l, as these were always sent in duplicate on important occasions. From the tanks pigeolls proved of great service to communicate with the base; in fact, were often the only means of communication. Sometimes when liberated from tanks the birds seeme(l stupified, iio doubt due to fumes of the oil, and I strongly recommend the use of small closed baskets for use in the tanks, similar to our show baskets. We had a loft of instruction for the Tank Corps at %Vool, and every officer and man who was to serve in the Tank Corps had to thoroughly master the handling of pigeons. At the conclusion of the war there were 22,000 pigeons, 150 mobile lofts and, at least, 400 C.P.S. pigeoneers in the C.P.S. Good reports came from G.H.Q., Salonika, where Sergeant F. Shaw was sent out to establish the service. The Egyptian service was established by Sergeant II. 0. Rnott. 29

In fact, there was not a single unit of the C. P.S. Army Pigeon Service that proved a failure. After the war a special pamphlet was prepared giving the ring numbers and (letaihs of birds that earned special merit. Copies were sent to all owners. The lofts in which tile 1)11(15 were i)red were quite unknown to O.C. Pigeons, France. The King’s loft had a miuinlicr of the birds mentioned in despatches. General Shaw handed me for inclusion in my note book the following acknowledgement of the circular :— ‘~orkCottage, Snndri ii ghani, Norfolk. ‘‘ 28th January, 1918. Dear Geiieral, I have sitbiiutted to the King the circular enclosed in your letter of January 2(tll to \Vigraiii, about the pigeons. His Majesty desires tile to thank you for sending this, which has interested hint very mmli, and the King is glad to know flint some of his lords have been iii (‘lit ioiied in despatches. Believe iiie, Yours sincerely, “CIWMEH. Majoi-Geiieral Sir F. 1’. Shaw, Tc.C.B.”

30

I

“

~____

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l~*

CHAPTER V Alit r

1~1115

FOI1CES.

branch of the Carrier-Pigeon Service was only

established as a separate entity iii 1918, and was organised by Major W. 11. Osman, assisted by Capt. B. Burden. 1>art of time fhieti existing ~aval pigeoli service was taken over and some I)all ot the Army Carrier-Pigeon Service. There were lofts at all important aerodromes at the conclusion of the war, and pilots leai’iied to feel a Coi1fidt~11eeiii the colnpanionsiul) ol a pigeon in its basket in the aerodronie. Tim April, 1919, the following letter was issued by command of the Air Council, to be forwarded to all those breeders who had presented l)irds free of cost for this service. ‘‘Air Ministry, ‘‘

Strand,

London, \V.C.2. ‘‘April, 1919. ‘‘

‘‘T[OMTNC; PlGEoxs—MEalToluot~s SulivicE IN B OYAL Aii~FOIICE. Sir,

I am commanded by the Air Council to forward for your inforiiiation a list of the ring nunii~ersoF pigeons which have rendered meritorious service to tile Royal Air Force, with brief details of such I)erformances. The Council desire to thank you and all other breeders of homing pigeons who have so generously riiid patriotically contributed birds to time Pigeon Service, for the valuable assistance which you have rendered thereby to His Majesty’s Forces. 31

In a. large nuiniber of cases hives and maclimes 1 have been saved, mu ad much Va on ide i niorni at.ion has been brought in hrough the agency of these birds. The list on1y includes birds which have performed conspicuously good service, mit ninny other pigeons have also (lone consistently good work. ‘‘ I am, Sir, Xour obedient Servant, ~ A ROBINSON Tile following is a copy of the list of meritorious services iuieimtiouied in this let ter, and as this list gives details (if some brilliant performances and lives saved, it will, T think, lie sufficient to show the good work of tile Air Force Pigeon Service after its establishment as a separate entity. I am unable to emnliody the work performneul by pigeons from this branch of the service prior to 1918, hut thus I know, flint a loft established at ilarwich under my command for the use of the Army, and airmen from waterplalies, was the sole means of saving the life of more than one skilled pilot. In connect ion with the }Imurwich loft., which coui— tamed about 160 birds constantly in training and at work, it is interesting to note that orders were received to remove head quarters from Ilarwich to Fehixstowe, about 16 miles to the north of Ilarwich. I chose the tennis court in front of the Felix TIotel for the new site and men’s quarters. In less than ten days after the complete removal of birds and loft all the birds homed from flO or 70 miles at sea regularly and came straight to Fehixstowe without crossing Ilarwich, and I believe I am right iii saying that it was very shortly after this removal one of the Air Force officers was saved by ii pigeon message when in desperate straits. 32

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ClIAPTE1~VI iNTELLIGENCE SERVICE.

AlTER being attached to 1LE. Signals in the early stages of the organisation of the Carrier-Pigeon

Service, I was

eventually

attached

to the Intelligence

Corps, and I feel that it was in tins work that our pigeons added to their value iii the silent and efficient

messenger work they performed. Here is one of the uses to which pigeons were put :~ A small balloon was constructed with a metal band worked by clockwork. To this band was attached a small basket containing a single pigeon with a message holder on its leg, and to each basket was attached a small parachute. The balloons were liberated in favourable conditions of wind and at intervals automatically released from the special ring a single basket with a bird. These were dropped into Belgian and French territory when occupied by the Germans, and in French and Flemish a request was made to the finder to supply intelligence information that was needed, at the same time giving the finder hopefulness and cheer as to the ultimate success of the allies’ cause and promising reward for the information supplied. Much valuable information was obtained in this manner. 46

H~( ~

So alarmed did the Germans become at its success that they took every possible means to detect those who had the courage to send messages. The following notice was placarded throughout Belgium in French and Flemish :— ‘‘The enemy is in the habit of dropping from aeroplanes little baskets containing homing ~)igeonS, by means of which they desire to obtain information concerning this side of the line. ‘‘The pigeons are placed in small baskets and marked ‘Please open.’ “Any person who finds one of these baskets must, without tampering with it, report to the nearest military authorities. All persons are forbidden to open baskets or any letters attached to them, or to remove them from the place where they are found. “Inhabitants disobeying these orders are liable to the severest punishment. If they attempt to escape they run the risk of being shot instantly. “Any town in which one of these pigeons is secreted is liable to a fine of 10,000 to 100,000 francs.” In addition to the issue of this proclamation, the Germans set a trap for those who might find pigeons and be tempted to use them. They removed the pigeon dropped by us and substituted a bird that would home to their own lofts, so that if anyone was foolish enough to attach his name and address to the message the pigeon would deliver it to them and the person be arrested and shot. For this reason we warned persons in our instructions never to use any names for identity and always to liberate the birds at night so that they would home to our lofts in the morning. 47

This method succeeded for a time, but later we had to decide upon other methods. It was then decided that our airmen should carry a brave Belgian willing to descend with a basket of pigeons by parachute dark at night when a favourable position for his descent was reached. Men were found brave enough to undertake this risk for their King and country—naturally Belgians who knew where to hide in safety. For tins service I designed a special basket of the shape of a fisherman’s creel that strapped on the back. I carefully wrapped the pigeons in paper and packed them in straw. ~fii0 scheme was a success, except that at the outset great (]iih]clIltv was experienced in getting the man to jump fioni the plane when the time came. The basket was on the man’s hack and the parachute strapped round his armpits. A special aeroplane was designed iii order that when the position was reached the seat upon which the man sat gave way automatically when the pilot let go a lever and time man was let out to gracefully parachute to earth. In almost all cases this scheme proved most successful, but on one occasion the aeroplane crashed, killing one of the men. The other tossed all the pigeons, and news was received of the disaster. It was not merely necessary to obtain messages that could be sent by flimsies, but much larger plans or even passports were needed. The carriage of larger objects than the ordinary message presented some difficulty, when I was approached with this object, but I decided that the tail of the bird should be used as the carrier. I threaded a piece of fine wire through the outside tail feathers on each side, leaving two loose ones to 48

come underneath. One piece of wire was threaded through time strongest tail feathers near the root of the tail and another piece about 2 inches lower down the tail in time same nianner. The package to he sent was wired round with two thin pieces of wire the same distance apart and then attached to the loose wires under the tail. A whole sheet of the ‘‘Daily Mail’’ can easily be sent a reasonable distance in this manner. Our agents over the enemy lines would flash a smgnal at night. Relays of pigeons would he dropped. rfhle mflessa go or pareel would 1)0 at once at t a (lied to the pigeon, which would be imniediately liberated and home at its loft iii the morning. The Germans boasted of their intelligence service, lint our pigeoll service was as gooil as any during the war. Knowiii g the

ext cut. to which we used pigeolls für intelligence work is it s%11’pnsiug that it was deemed necessary that every precaution should he taken to prevent the promiscuous hhcration of pigeons in this country during the war. On one occasion, on hoarding a foreign steamer from a neutral country off ~ewcast1e, a dozen racing pigeons were found. But the skipper had them killed promptly on our men discovering them, and said he always carried live pigeons to kill for food. Mr. Basil Thompson’s men were a little slow in not getting these pigeons olive, when we might have used them to send time enemy some ‘‘useful’’ news. The German message holders used for their service wore very Thi civ manufactured. We often captured pigeons, but few of th cii message holders. ~~liomi one was obtuiiied, I got Carfer, of Birmiii g— ham, to imitate them so perfectly that it was impossible

49

to distinguish the original, and a trick was often played

on Fritz by sending him a few bogus messages with his own pigeons we captured. At the outbreak of war the Belgians had no doubt the finest pigeon service in the world, with headquarters in Antwerp, but before the capture of Antwerp, on October 8th, 1914, Conimnandant Denuit, chief of time Belgian service, had the lofts and birds all destroyed, thus preventing the Germans using a service that had taken years to become efficient. The Intelligence Pigeon Service designed for home use in case of invasion was a magnificent one. Day after day the birds were kept ready, winter and summner, b~tthank God this branch of time service was never called upon to prove its value. Had it been, the birds would have given the enemy cause to respect its efficiency. Much of the good work that pigeons did for time Intelligence Service must of necessity remain untold, l)Ut for espionage time pigeon will ever be a grave danger, as well as great value to those who make the best use of them, as was the case in the Great War.

60

• •J~r

,•“•

‘

ChAPTER VII CONCLUSION.

IT was in August, 1917, that I first met officers from

the American Army attached to pigeons. I found them intelligent and keeii to take advantage of information derived from our past experience. The first American ~:Pigeon Service consisted of two officers and 12 men selected from prominent American pigeon men. At - the end of the Armistice the American Army pigeon - service consisted of 9 officers, 324 soldiers, 6,000 C pigeons and öÜ mobile lofts. So impressed was the Signal Service of the Americami Army with the use to which pigeons could be put, that upon the conclusion of the Armistice a service was established and is still maintained at good strength in America. I am reminded of my cordial association with American officers and men by the following letter “

War Department,

Office of the Chief Signal Officer, “

“Washington. September 12th, 1919.

My dear Colonel Osman,

It has been brought to my attention that on several occasions during the war and since the signing 51

of the Armistice you have been of the greatest assistance to the Pigeon Section of the Signal Corps in the furtherance of its interests. Due to your efforts every courtesy and opportunity for instruction were accorded the American pigeoneers who visited the British armies for observation purposes. The voluntary gift of six hundred young pigeons from time British fanciers to the American Army was most opportune and significant of the splendid feeling that existed between the two armies. Furthermore, the selection of the three hundred pigeons purchased by you recently for the stocking of United States governmeat lofts must have made great demands on your time and personal influence. On behalf of the Signal Corps, I desire to express fullest acknowledgment of the value of your services, and appreciation of the fine spirit of co-operation and goodwill that prompted them. Very truly yours, GEORGE 0. SQUIER, ~C

“ “

Major-General,

Chief Signal Officer of the Army.

Lieutenant-Colonel A. H. Osman, ~9, Doughty Street, “London, W.C.1, “England.” The following letter from General Fowler to General Shaw will give sonic idea of the smooth working of time Service. General Shaw gave me the letter and photos to put amongst my collection. 52

General Headquarters, ‘‘

France. 1st April, 1917.

My dear Shaw, Time sending of time pigeons from England to France has worked very smoothly and successfully. We have got a very good lot of birds, and there have been hardly any casualties, which shows the great care that must have been taken in England in selecting and consigning theni. I enclose two photos of the horse-drawn pigeon lofts collected at .Boulogne to receive time pigeons. Osnian uunghit like to sec the photos. I (10 not want theni hack. ‘‘

As

each consignment of pigeons arrived they were

put in the lofts and drawn off to their positions on the front, where I hope they will very soon be in work. ‘‘A good many have gone up to time areas where we have advanced, and it was very important to get time early young birds so as to make this possible. “As to future requirements, the balance still due of the first 5,000 we asked for had better come about the 2.1st. April, by which time we shall know if any lofts have failed and require re-stocking. “We have asked officially for 1,000 to be available in May and 1,000 in Juno, and I expect that these will be used to establish lofts in new areas or to make good casualties in old lofts.

~rery many thanks for all the care that has been taken to get good birds. Yours, “JOHN FOWLER.”

The Italians had a very large force of carrier pigeons. A service that grew as the war progressed, and the great value of this branch of the signal service was recognised. Before the great retreat of 1917 the Italians had upwards of 30,000 birds in use. Later, this number was increased to 50,000, in addition to which civilian lofts in Italy were requisitioned, and at least 2,000 birds from these lofts were on active service. When the lt.alian Army was on the Piave in June, 1918, 1,500 Italians were surrounded and in great danger from the Austrian attack. Two pigeons were then liberated at night with a message for help and giving details of the enemy positions. As the result of these two messages, reinforcements were at. once sent and the Italian beseiged illell rescued, 3,500 Austrians beiuu g taken prisoners. In Ireland an elliciemit and useful service was organised, Capt. E. E. ,Jackson being placed in charge. All lorries travelling any distance between different depots carried pigeons and, thanks to thus systeum, when an officer who had been captured escaped he was able to reach a lorry, have pigeons sent to say he was on board, and just when an attempt was made to recapture him, a mobile force of motor-cyclists arrived and put paid to the attackers. Captain Rayner succeeded Captain Jackson in charge of the Irish service until order was restored in that country. Part of my duty was to inspect all lofts and lecture to Cadet and other Signal Schools, giving demonstrations with pigeons. I had an appointment to visit Ireland for this purpose. That appointment would have taken me to Ireland, and I had arranged with Captain Lockett to go over and return with some friends the following week in the S.S. Leinster. 54

An urgent call from France necessitated a week’s postpouiemeiIt of the appoint audi t, otherwise I should not have been able to write these (letails. We crossed the following week arid bad waterplanes an(l American destroyers to convoy us. Those who made sea trips during the war will have recollections of cork jackets in which they were wrapped, and other discomforts. I once mnade a trip on the S.S. Zeelandia, a passenger boat plying between London and 1lotterdam throughout the war. On her next voyage she was torpedoed. On arriving at ilarwich, I was put in a pilot cutter and then transferred to a trawler going int.o time harbour. \Vheu asked to take ale on hoard, the skipper suggested they should chuck me overboard and let me swim. But when on board and hue learnt I was O.C. pigeons time greeting was a nmuch more friendly one. Many pigeons earned fame during the war.

The

French awarded diplomas in the case of birds deserving the Croix tie Guerre or Croix ililitaire. When Commandant Raynal was surrounded at Vaux, at t james pigeons were his only means of couuuiuiunication with

Verdun. His last bird but one flew t liroughu a lerril)le enemy fire, amid was awarded the Croix de Guerre. his final pigeon, badly mangled, dropped (lead as he delivered his message. lie was awarded the Legion d’}lonneur, and a diphonma framed in the colours of the order hangs at headquarters. No. 2709 was awarded time V.C. in our own pigeon service, and its mangled remains are to be seen preserved in the United Services Museum. This bird was 66

with our forces fighting at Menin Road, October, 1917. She was despatched with a message from the fiont line to DivisionaL ]Ieaclquarters nine ntiles away early in the afternoon. She was shot clown by the enemy soon after liberation, laid out in the rain all night, but the next morning sufficiently recovered to struggle back with her message, and staggered on the floor of the loft and died before the officer could remove thb messageholder from her leg. “Cher Anti” was the favourite of the American Army, and ollicers and men of the American O.P.S. are never tired of relating the brave exploits of this little blue chequer. Its photo and that of many other good birds that worked well for the American O.P.S. was sent me. “Clier Anti” delivered no less (ban twelve important messages on different oevntnons—never fail— ing. Very often birds were home one day from the trenches with messages and bank again the next day so soon as an opportunity occurred to get them back under cover of barrage. “Cher AiM’s” last flight was a desperate one on the Argonne, but she bravely get through and delivered her message, although one leg was hanging from the thigh and bleeding profusely. The message warn an important one from a Platoon in difficulties. Reinforcements saved the situation, end the men of the Platoon have cause to bless the brave deed of “Cher Ami.” A German loft, with birds and complete equipment, captured at Folies, France, on August 9th, 1918, together with 30 pigeons, was sent to England and exhibited at the Zoological Gardens. The birds kept to the loft end remained there some time. In my opinion the quality of the German pigeons was not equal to those used by our forces. 58

4 ‘4

F

4

Wlieiicver field lelegrapli or telepliolle systems were in working order pigeons were riot called upon for service. It was only wlieii all other means of coimnulucation failed they were use(i. For distances up to fifty or sixty miles pigeons were practicafly iiifallible. More thaii 95 per cent. of the messages sent by pigeoll post were safely delivered. IJuruig seven months of the year 1916 one military loft iii France received no less thaii twenty-four pigeon messages from aeroplanes which had been captured by the enemy or met with disaster. These messages t0ld the fate of l)etween forty and fifty airmen arid their last observations over the enemy lines. The pigeon service at G.}I.Q., Horse Guards, at the start consisted of one officer and a corporal clerk; at the conclusion of the armistice there were four o~cers, six stationary lofts ronthuinig an average of 150 birds in each, and six coastal depots from each of winch 300 birds were liberated to fly to the M’etropohis almost daily. Corporal Macliitrye, who was with me at the start of the services, remained throughout and proved most efficient in charge of the clerical department, which became an extensive one. The chief depot at the commencement for time collection of the birds before (lespatch to the front was 19, Doughty Street, and as time service increased it was necessary to requisition No. 18 as well as 17. Heinforcenieimfs of men and some thousands of birds were retained hero. The birds never saw outside their lofts as squeakers, and with the wire cages on top of the mobile lofts were easily schooled and taught their duties. The Germans disliked the pigeon service and made several attempts to bomb Doughty Street, on one occa57

siori dropping a bomb in the adjacent garden, doi~g damage to the depot, but without the loss of a single man or bird. Major Alec Waley, M.C., had command of the Carrier-Pigeou Service in France. Captain E. E. Jackson, Captain Gerald Lockett, C. Bryant and Lieut. Jacques served as oflicers in the organisation of the service and instruction of officers and men for the tanks and other forces. From the commencement of the war until May, 1916, all pigeon racing was suspended, but on May 1st, 1916, a conference took place at the Home Office at which Lieut.-Col. P. Maud (G.H.Q., Home Forces), Major J. Sealy Clarke (War Office), Assistant Paymaster W. I-I. Osman (Admiralty), Messrs. A. L. Dixon, C. P. Carew Robinson (ilome Oflice), Mr. A. C. Goodchild (Scottish Office) and Mr. H. A. Tripp took part. At this conference I made out such a strong case that training and restricted racing be allowed, that authorit;y for liberations was subsequently granted. Had this authority been refused for the duration of the war it would, I fear, have been the death blow to our sport instead of its subsequent vigorous renewal and growth. I have given a l)rief chronological account of the Service, simply detailing facts sufficient, I think, to show that the Carrier-Pigeon Service rendered good and efficient work during the Great War.

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Pigeon Foods have stood

the test of time on Quality. Obtainable from all good corn dealers and grocers, or direct from: —

E =- HINDHAUGHS, Ltd., NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE. 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 1111111111111111 liii IIII 11111111111111 I iiitiiiiii~