PIGEONS IN WAR

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 6 December 1940, Page 3

PIGEONS IN WAR

DEFENCE CO-OPERATION [United Press Association] AUCKLAND, 4th November. The use of carrier pigeons as an alternative means of communication should New Zealand be called on to resist invasion is strongly advocated by Aucklanders who are concerned about the absence or potential ineffectiveness for military purposes of telephone services to and near a number of isolated beaches that are possible landing places. It is urged that preparations should at once be made so that carrier pigeons can immediately be used if they are required. An offer of birds and services has already been made to the Government by the New Zealand Federation of Pigeon Clubs. The offer was made before the threat of invasion reached its present seriousness and it is stated that the offer was then refused on the ground that the situation provided no scope for using the birds. If the offer has since been reviewed Auckland pigeon owners are said to be anxious to place their trained birds at the disposal of the Army, Home Guard, Navy or Merchant Navy. SEVERAL THOUSAND BIRDS It is estimated that in Auckland there are about 100 lofts containing several thousand pigeons that could immediately be placed in service. They can easily fly distances that would be necessary for Army communication in New Zealand and it is suggested also that the use of a few birds on all ships leaving New Zealand might be the means of obtaining the first description of enemy raiders. Races regularly held in New Zealand include one from Christchurch to Auckland, a flying distance of about 500 miles, which in good weather is covered in 10 hours, and in medium weather in 11 hours. The birds’ speed is greatest for short distances and 45 to 55 miles an hour is customary. Only minutes would be taken to bring messages from some of Auckland's nearby beaches. USE IN GREAT BRITAIN The pigeons always, return to their own lofts, so that for Army co-opera-tion a scheme already adopted in Britain is advocated. This includes the registration of all pigeon lofts and arrangements for messages received by the birds' owners to be forwarded by the quickest means to the appropriate authorities. Britain has been using carrier pigeons since this war started, their usefulness in the last war not having been forgotten. This usefulness has been heightened by the restrictions which have to be placed upon the use of wireless, and warships and aircraft on patrol duties regularly carry them. In addition to being used for send- \ g messages, they have also been used for carrying films and for taking photographs. In the last service they have a special camera strapped to their breasts, and exposure is so arranged that photographs are taken every halfminute or so during flight till the film is exhausted. Thus, if the bird’s home routes takes it over trenches or military concentrations a low-level photographic record is automatically obtained.