Jump to content

Pigeons In Combat

Members
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    25

  • Joined

  • Last visited

 Content Type 

Everything posted by Pigeons In Combat

  1. Pigeons In Combat
    Hi, Here is an article that you may find of interest. Pigeons: Unsung Heroes of War By Linda Lombardi | May 21, 2013 For centuries, the fastest way to send a message over a long distance was by homing pigeon. These birds carried news of a new pharaoh to all corners of ancient Egypt and relayed the results of the Olympics to the ancient Greeks. They were even one of the earliest forms of military communication, used during wars in the days of Julius Caesar and Hannibal. Nowadays, pigeons still get to show off their skills in the sport of racing. Released in unfamiliar locations, they can find their way home from hundreds of miles away, flying at speeds up to 60 miles an hour. But they've long been replaced by advanced technology to communicate long distance, so you might be surprised to learn that they were still used by the military as late as the Second World War. Unlike radio, messages sent by pigeon couldn't be overheard by enemy spies, and the birds often came through when technology didn't. One such hero was a bird called G.I. Joe, who saved the day for British troops when they occupied Colvi Vecchia, Italy, during World War II. The Germans had retreated unexpectedly, so the British moved in and tried to cancel the planned U.S. bombing of the city. But all their attempts to communicate failed - except for G.I. Joe, who arrived back at the air base just as the bombers were preparing to take off. Trained to Perform Remarkable Feats Although pigeons are born with the instinct to return to their home loft, making them effective messengers in wartime took special training. Most of the men who did this training have passed on, but filmmaker Alessandro Croseri captured the memories of some of them for a series of documentaries called The Pigeoneers. For his first film, Croseri interviewed Col. Clifford A. Poutre, chief pigeoneer of the U.S. Army Signal Corps, before his death at the age of 103. Croseri says that Poutre "changed the whole attitude about how they were training the birds." During World War I, trainers thought the pigeons needed to be starved to make sure they'd return. In contrast, said Croseri, Poutre believed "it's all about kindness and love." To read the entire article, please visit: http://www.pigeonsincombat.com/pigeoneersii-publications.html Pigeons In Combat's Memorial Day Sale is for a limited time only. Sale ends May 31, 2013. Please visit the store for more details: http://store.pigeonsincombat.com/ Kind regards, Al Croseri Director, Producer, Screenwriter Alessandro Croseri Productions 301 East 21st Street New York, NY 10010 212 677 6833 http://www.pigeonsincombat.com
  2. Pigeons In Combat
    UK PREMIERE GHOST STATION BLETCHLEY PARK - SEPT 6 - 30, 2012 Hi, I am pleased to announce that The Pigeoneers UK Film Premiere will be at the Ghost Station Exhibition, Enigma Cinema, Bletchley Park in September 2012. Ghost Station is the new exhibition from ArtHertz staged at Bletchley Park - the Home of the Codebreakers during World War II and the birthplace of modern technology. The month long event is part of Milton Keynes Heritage Open Days - Summer of Culture 2012 and explores themes of codes, codebreaking and messages, Alan Turing, the role of pigeons and women in World War II. The exhibition also explores the ongoing ArtHertz agenda of the analogue / digital distinction. Ghost Station will also include the critically acclaimed collaborative piece, Station X, which was first shown and conceived for display at MK Gallery Project Space - an installation that documents the Bletchley buildings with sound, film, photography and surfaces. More than 20 selected contemporary artists' work will be interspersed amongst the museum's exhibits in Hut 8, the Bombe Hut and the Cafe in Hut 4. The Enigma Cinema at Bletchley Park will also play host to screenings of short films curated by Rushes Soho Shorts Film Festival and ArtHertz presenting the UK Premiere of Al Croseri's feature length film,'The Pigeoneers’ on Sunday 9th Sept 11AM (By Invitation Only) and again on Sunday 23rd Sept at 2PM. Esther Johnson's 'Analogue Kingdom' and 'Tune In' will be screened on 16th Sept at 2PM. There will also be a closing party and premiere of the war pigeon short, 'Gustav' by Dennis Da Silva on Sunday 30th September 2PM (By Invitation Only). Ghost Station is open to the public from 6th September - 30th September, 9.30 AM - 5PM. VIP Private View 6 - 9PM Friday 7th (By Invitation Only). Reception to be held in the Mansion Ballroom with an analogue electro DJ set from Reuben Wu of Ladytron. Free Entry for MK post codes between 6th & 9th September Milton Keynes Heritage Open Days - Summer Of Culture 2012. Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes MK3 6EB - Admission: Adults £12, Children 12 - 16 £6 Children under 12 FREE and Family Ticket: £26 (Two adults + Two children aged 12 to 16) For further information contact: Dennis Da Silva: dennis@arthertz.com / 07816513975 The exhibition is supported using public funding by Arts Council England. http://www.bletchleypark.org.uk/news/docview.rhtm/668301 Kind regards, Al Croseri Director, Screenwriter, Producer Alessandro Croseri Productions 301 East 21st Street New York, NY 10010 212 677 6833 www.pigeonsincombat.com
  3. Pigeons In Combat
    THE PIGEONEERS UK FILM PREMIERE - ENIGMA CINEMA, BLETCHLEY PARK MUSEUM Hi, I am very pleased to announce that "The Pigeoneers" UK Film Premiere will be at the Enigma Cinema, Bletchley Park Museum in September 2012. Details for the UK Premiere will follow shortly. The small 1940's Enigma Cinema shows old wartime show reels and is widely appreciated by the many visitors to Bletchley Park. Bletchley Park is an estate located in the town of Bletchley, in Buckinghamshire, England, which currently houses the National Codes Centre and the National Museum of Computing. During the Second World War, Bletchley Park was the site of the United Kingdom's main decryption establishment, the Government Code and Cypher School (GC&CS), where ciphers and codes of several Axis countries were decrypted, most importantly the ciphers generated by the German Enigma and Lorenz machines. It also housed Station X, a secret radio intercept station. Bletchley Park is the historic site of secret British codebreaking activities during WWII and birthplace of the modern computer. “The intelligence... from you (Bletchley Park)... has been of priceless value. It has saved thousands of British and American lives and, in no small way, contributed to the speed with which the enemy was routed and eventually forced to surrender... (It was a) very decisive contribution to the Allied war effort.â€, General Dwight D. Eisenhower. "There’s no doubting that The Pigeoneers, Alessandro Croseri’s documentary about the use of pigeons by the military, is a labor of love..... it seems downright unpatriotic not to celebrate the accomplishments of these birds who served valiantly and who were rewarded with such honors as the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Service Medal...... " by Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, June 11, 2012. The Pigeoneers DVD Release date will be October 11, 2012. To pre-order The Pigeoneers now on DVD, please visit our online store. Free Shipping on all pre-orders USA only (International Pre-Orders take $9.00 off shipping costs). For more details, please visit our online store: http://store.pigeonsincombat.com Kind regards, Al Croseri Director, Producer, Screenwriter Alessandro Croseri Productions LLC 301 East 21st Street New York, NY 10010 212 677 6833 http://www.pigeonsincombat.com
  4. Pigeons In Combat
    THE RYDER FILM SERIES - AUG 10 - 25, 2012 Hi, I am pleased to announce that The Pigeoneers will be screening at The Ryder Film Series, Bloomington, Indiana. Starting on Friday, August 10 and ending Saturday, August 25th, 2012. Playing Aug 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 24, 25. The Ryder Film Series has presented the best in foreign-language, independent and classic American films in Bloomington for 25 years. ALL TICKET PRICES: $5:00 Please check The Ryder's website for theatre locations, showtimes and ticket sales: The Ryder Film Series Bloomington, Indiana IU Fine Arts Theatres and Buskirk Chumley Theatre (812) 339 -2001 http://www.theryder.com "There’s no doubting that The Pigeoneers, Alessandro Croseri’s documentary about the use of pigeons by the military, is a labor of love..... it seems downright unpatriotic not to celebrate the accomplishments of these birds who served valiantly and who were rewarded with such honors as the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Service Medal...... " by Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, June 11, 2012. The Pigeoneers DVD Release date will be October 11, 2012. To pre-order The Pigeoneers now on DVD, please visit our online store. Free Shipping on all pre-orders USA only (International Pre-Orders take $9.00 off shipping costs). For more details, please visit our online store: http://store.pigeonsincombat.com Kind regards, Al Croseri Director, Producer, Screenwriter Alessandro Croseri Productions 301 East 21st Street New York, NY 10010 212 677 6833 http://www.pigeonsincombat.com
  5. Pigeons In Combat
    COMING SOON - CINEMA VILLAGE - JUNE 8 - 14, 2012 I am very pleased to announce that The Pigeoneers film premier will be at Cinema Village in New York City. Opening on Friday, June 8, 2012 Ending on Thursday, June 14, 2012. DAILY SHOWTIMES: 1:00 3:45 6:30 9:15 TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW AT THE BOX OFFICE To purchase advance tickets for The Pigeoneers, please visit Cinema Village's box office or website : Cinema Village Theater/Box Office 22 East 12th Street (between University Place and Fifth Avenue) New York, NY 10003 (212) 924 3362 www.cinemavillage.com To purchase movie tickets online for The Pigeoneers, visit Cinema Village's website, go to the "Coming Soon" section and scroll down for The Pigeoneers. Or you can click here: http://www.cinemavillage.com/chc/cv/show_movie.asp?movieid=2482 Kind regards, Al Croseri Director, Producer, Writer http://www.pigeonsincombat.com
  6. Pigeons In Combat
    Dear Pigeon Fanciers, I thought you may find of interest the following article, "The War Birds of Fort Monmouth". ASBURY PARK PRESS, NEW JERSEY THE WAR BIRDS OF FORT MONMOUTH Written by Shannon Mullen, Staff Writer. November 11, 2011 The eagle may be the symbol of American freedom and military might, but no eagle ever received France's Croix de Guerre for valor, or saved the lives of 1,000 troops trapped behind enemy lines, or walked five miles to deliver vital information after being shot out of the sky. Pigeons, of the homing variety, accomplished all of this and countless other amazing feats, during their long and storied service in the U.S. Army. Today, few people know about the heroism of these unassuming birds, or the integral role that Fort Monmouth played as the home of the Army's pigeon breeding and training center from 1917 to 1957. "Back in the day, these pigeons were rock stars," said independent filmmaker Alessandro Croseri, who is completing a series of three documentaries about the Army's "pigeoneers," including the late Col. Clifford A. Poutre, a legendary figure who led the Pigeon Service for many years. "And then, everyone forgot about them." In peacetime, thousands of people used to flock to the fort every year to see the pigeons. The star attractions included G.I. Joe, who saved a British brigade that was being bombarded by friendly fire in Italy in 1943, and Kaiser, a one-time German POW who later delivered messages for the Americans in World War I and went on to live to the ripe, old age of 32, twice the life span of an average pigeon. "He was a tough bird," marveled Croseri, 38, of New York City, who has bred and raced pigeons all his life. To read the entire article, please visit the website and scroll down: http://www.pigeonsincombat.com Kind regards, Al Croseri Director, Producer, Writer Alessandro Croseri Productions 301 East 21st Street New York, NY 10010 212 677 6833 www.pigeonsincombat.com
  7. Pigeons In Combat
    Dear Pigeon Fanciers, I am honored to announce that "The Pigeoneers" has been reviewed by Brigadier General Gill P. Beck, U.S. Army Reserve. Brigadier General Gill P. Beck is the Commanding General, United States Army Reserve Legal Command, Gaithersburg, Maryland. Recently, BG Gill Beck has received a nomination for promotion to Major General and was announced as the next Commanding General, 81st Regional Support Command. BG Gill Beck was awarded a Bronze Star for actions during the Global War on Terror. Bronze Star citation below. Bronze Star Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes the pleasure of presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Colonel Gill P. Beck, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious service during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM during the period from 2 January 2005 to 14 June 2005, as Staff Judge Advocate, Task Force 134, Multi-National Force-Iraq, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. His exceptional leadership resulted in increasing by 300% the prosecutions handled by the Central Criminal Court of Iraq, which is responsible for judging all suspected insurgents detained by Coalition Forces in the Iraq Theater of Operations. By ensuring that convicted terrorism sentences increased by 400%, he prevented attacks on Coalition Forces in the future. This also substantially contributed to the re-establishment of the Rule of Law in Iraq, the centerpiece of Government legitimacy and a key component of the Multi-National Force-Iraq's Campaign Plan. Additionally, Colonel Beck doubled the production of the Combined Review and Release Board which substantially enhanced Multi-National Force-Iraq's partnership with the Iraqi government. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, this command, the Multi-National Force-Iraq, and the United States Army. Review of “The Pigeoneers†By BG Gill P. Beck, U.S. Army Reserve “The Pigeoneers†is a documentary film by Al Croseri that tells a great Army story about a thinking and adaptive Soldier, the type of Soldier who has always given the United States Army its edge in combat and in preparation for combat. This Army story is told through the eyes of Colonel Clifford A. Poutre, who at the time of filming was well over one hundred years old. The documentary film captures in a poignant manner the professionalism of Colonel Poutre and the passion he had for the United States Army Signal Corps Pigeon Service and his trusted pigeons. “The Pigeoneers†reveals the commitment of a true Soldier, who as a child growing up near Saratoga, New York, slept on the floor, in his mind, to toughen his body for what he reviewed was his calling – service to our Nation in the United States Army. Like most Soldiers, he joined the Army not for glory or to obtain rank but rather to serve a higher, noble cause, the defense of our beloved country – the United States of America. To read BG Gill Beck's entire review, please visit: http://www.pigeonsincombat.com. Sincerely yours, Al Croseri Director, Producer, Writer Alessandro Croseri Productions 301 East 21st Street New York, New York 10010 (212) 677- 6833 www.pigeonsincombat.com
  8. Pigeons In Combat
    Dear Pigeon Fanciers, I thought you may find the following review of interest. "The Pigeoneers" reviewed by Todd Goddard, English 201 senior teaching assistant and PHD Candidate, Department of English, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Todd Goddard is a Ph.D. candidate in Literary Studies in the English Department. His research interests include eighteenth- and nineteenth-century American literature and environmental history. "I want to tell you how much I enjoyed your movie. This was a truly beautiful homage to combat pigeons and especially to Col. Poutre. Col. Poutre's life certainly deserves the attention you give it, and the care and respect you accord him is evident. You do an amazing job of capturing the subtle and tender feelings this man held for his birds. One can plainly see his wealth of admiration for his pigeons in his gentle and loving handling and in his expressive eyes. As your movie shows so well, the relationship between birds and humans is more complex than many of us will ever know, and our histories are surprisingly intertwined." To read the entire review, please visit the website: www.pigeonsincombat.com and scroll down. Todd Goddard's review appears after the photo of Col. Clifford Poutre on the set of The Pigeoneers, holding a homer for the last time. Kind regards, Al Croseri Director, Producer & Writer Alessandro Croseri Productions 301 East 21st Street New York, NY 10010 212 677 6833 www.pigeonsincombat.com
  9. Pigeons In Combat
    THE PIGEONEERS PRESS Dear Pigeon Fanciers, I thought you would find the following article of interest. ANIMALS IN WARTIME Exhibit examines roles of the furry, the feathered. By Peter Durantine Peter Durantine is editor of TheBurg. He's been a journalist for more than 25 years, writing for the Associated Press, Philadelphia Daily News and the York Daily Record, among others. He covered the Capitol for 15 years. TheBurg, Greater Harrisburg's Community Newspaper, published monthly in Pennsylvania. April 2011 Issue Practically every type of domesticated animal, from dogs to pigeons, has been used during wartime-even dolphins have been considered. But these beasts of burden often became pets to the soldiers struggling in the desperateness of battle. "Regimental mascots gave soldiers a chance to express affection to another living being in the midst of so much death and destruction, creating a positive effect on morale," said Brett Kelley, curator of collections at the National Civil War Museum. Animals in war is the museum's latest exhibit, which opened in March and runs until September. It examines the ways in which various types of animals were adopted by regiments and became mascots for Civil War troops, and focuses on the relationships between these animals and their owners. To read the entire article, please click here: http://www.pigeonsincombat.com/thepigeoneerswebpage.html and scroll down to The Pigeoneers Press section. Kind regards, Al Croseri Director, Producer, Writer Alessandro Croseri Productions 301 East 21st Street New York, NY 10010 212 677 6833 www.pigeonsincombat.com
  10. Pigeons In Combat
    PIGEONS IN COMBAT'S 5 YR ANNIVERSARY Dear Friends, I'm excited to let you know that Pigeons In Combat is celebrating our five year anniversary. To celebrate our five year anniversary, I've included a store coupon in this email. Please forward this email to anyone who may be interested, to help me share the news. To visit my store, go to: http://store.pigeonsincombat.com. Use the coupon code at the store checkout! Save 20% on all orders until March 6, 2011. Use coupon code: anniversary Thank you, Al Croseri http://www.pigeonsincombat.com
  11. Pigeons In Combat
    Dear Pigeon Fanciers, I am very pleased to announce that The Pigeoneers II starring Sgt. Peter Zakutansky and Lt. Col. Robert S. De Adder and The Pigeoneers III starring Ed Schmidt and Ed Gergits will be released in 2011. For photos and more information please visit the website: http://www.pigeonsincombat.com Kind regards, Al Croseri Director, Producer, Writer Alessandro Croseri Productions 301 East 21st Street New York, NY 10010 212 677 6833 http://www.pigeonsincombat.com
  12. Pigeons In Combat
    Dear Pigeon Fanciers, I am honored to announce that Sgt. Peter Zakutansky's Memorial Tribute has been published on the Signal Corps 150th Anniversary Commemorative Site. This is an official U.S. Army Site. Pete's tribute is featured in the Who's Who, Notable Signaleers, 1880-Present, section of the Commemorative Site. To visit the Signal Corps 150th Anniversary Commemorative Site, please click here. The Signal 150th Anniversary Website is a product of the Signal Center of Excellence Knowledge Management Office. The KM Team is comprised of active Signal Personnel, Subject Matter Experts (SME), Knowledge Management Specialists, Web Design and Network Specialists. All members of the team are or have served in or been affiliated with the Signal Corps. Kind regards, Al Croseri Director, Writer, Producer Alessandro Croseri Productions 301 East 21st Street New York, NY 10010 212 677 6833 www.pigeonsincombat.com
  13. Pigeons In Combat
    The Pigeoneers II Publications Dear Pigeon Fanciers, I am honored to announce that Sgt. Peter Zakutansky's Memorial Tribute has been published in The Behavioral Neuroscientist and Comparative Psychologist, Volume 25, Issue 1, Spring/Summer 2010. Sgt. Peter Zakutansky, WWII US Army Pigeoneer, Night Flyer, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, 1942. The Behavioral Neuroscientist and Comparative Psychologist is the official newsletter of American Psychological Association (APA) Division 6 and is published 3 times a year. About American Psychological Association Based in Washington, DC, the American Psychological Association (APA) is a scientific and professional organization that represents psychology in the United States. With 150,000 members, APA is the largest association of psychologists worldwide. Pete's tribute is featured on page 10 of the newsletter. To read the newsletter, please visit: www.pigeonsincombat.com/pigeoneersii-publications.html or please click here. Kind regards, Al Croseri www.pigeonsincombat.com
  14. Pigeons In Combat
    Dear Pigeon Fanciers, I share this news with great sorrow. Peter Zakutansky, WWII Night Flyer, Dies at 88. Pigeons In Combat's Memorial tribute to Pete includes photographs, letters to his Mom and the article, "Pigeons fly the coop in support of soldiers," written by Renita Foster, Public Affairs Office, Fort Monmouth, N.J. IN LOVING MEMORY OF SGT. PETER ZAKUTANSKY 1921-2010 NIGHT FLYER WWII US ARMY PIGEONEER In loving memory of the late Sgt. Peter Zakutansky, WWII US Army Pigeoneer, Night Flying Record holder. Pete died on Monday, March 1, 2010 at the age of 88. Pete was born on March 18, 1921 in Old Road, Elizabeth, New Jersey. His love affair with the homing pigeons began at an early age. At 10 years of age, he started his own loft. At 12 years of age, he began training pigeons to fly at night. Soon thereafter, he learned and proved that his pigeons would fly both during the night and the day. He raced his pigeons with the Greater Elizabeth Pigeon Club, winning many long and short distance races. Pete enlisted in the US Army in 1942 and served as an armed guard in the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., for the Office of Secret Mail. He was trained to fire 155 howitzers and a 30 calibre 4-man machine gunner. After describing his "night and day" flying training methods with Major Mc Clure at the Pentagon, Pete was promoted to the rank of sergeant with the 285th Signal Corps along with a special assignment to train pigeons for night flying at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. After basic training at Fort Bragg, he was given his own jeep, a helper and his own location for the night loft. The night loft was located on top of a hill, a quarter of a mile away from the other pigeon sections. Pete increased pigeon night flight ranges from the previous maximum of 55 miles to163 miles. His Army Pigeons, broke the night flying record by an incredible distance of108 miles. To this day, 68 years later, Sgt. Zakutansky still holds the Night Flying Record. In 1943, Pete was sent to England with a six-man detachment and oversaw "pigeon communications" between three airbases in Exeter, England. Their detachment was attached to the 9th Air Force Paratroop Carriers. C-47s were used for the missions. 17 paratroopers would eject from the plane, and Pete would wrap the ripcords around his hand, lean out the door and release the pigeon. He personally flew on 15 missions, with the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions on C-47s during maneuvers to release his pigeons. He was then transferred to a pigeon training area in Andover, England where they raised young pigeons and trained them to a mobile loft, P.G. 68, a 30 bird loft on a trailer. Pete was a very dear friend and will be greatly missed. He was kind, generous and a man of integrity. He loved to talk about his theory on pigeons, the war years, his family, and especially his beloved Mom. Pete always used to say, "I'll see ya." VADOS CON DIOS PETE, "I'll see ya." Al Croseri To view Pete's entire tribute, please visit The Pigeoneers page on the website: http://www.pigeonsincombat.com or please click here and scroll down: http://www.pigeonsincombat.com/thepigeoneerswebpage.html. Kind regards, Al Croseri http://www.pigeonsincombat.com
  15. Pigeons In Combat
    Dear Pigeon Fanciers, I thought you may enjoy reading Long John Silver's tribute. The tribute includes the article, "Stumpy" John Silver: Heroic Winged Messenger, by the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. PIGEONS IN COMBAT'S tribute to Long John Silver, the famous WWI American War Pigeon Hero. LONG JOHN SILVER, WWI AMERICAN WAR PIGEON HERO "LONG JOHN SILVER," 1918-1936 BRED BY U.S. ARMY SIGNAL CORPS HATCHED JANUARY 1918 IN A FRONT LINE DUGOUT, FRANCE SERVED IN THE MEUSE ARGONNE OFFENSIVE WOUNDED SEVERELY IN BATTLE ON OCTOBER 21, 1918 FLEW 25 MILES IN 25 MINUTES WITH A SHOT OFF LEG AWARDED DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL RETIRED FROM ACTIVE SERVICE IN 1921 REASSIGNED TO 11TH SIGNAL COMPANY, SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, HAWAII HANDLED BY COL. CLIFFORD A. POUTRE FROM 1929-1936 SPECIALTY - DELIVERING MESSAGES UNDER INTENSE ENEMY ARTILLERY FIRE "STUMPY" JOHN SILVER: HEROIC WINGED MESSENGER National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Homing pigeons were used in World War I to deliver messages when other means such as telephones, telegraph, radio or dispatch riders were unavailable. They proved their value carrying messages from front line outposts to pigeon lofts at command centers, which they returned to by instinct and training. This homing pigeon was hatched in January 1918 in a dugout just behind the lines in France. During the Meuse-Argonne offensive, he was one of the most active pigeons in the Army, and his barrage-dodging skill was apparent in many exciting flights from the front line trenches to divisional pigeon lofts. To read the entire article and to see Long John Silver's tribute, please visit "The Pigeoneers" section on the website : http://www.pigeonsincombat.com or please click here and scroll down http://www.pigeonsincombat.com/thepigeoneerswebpage.html. Kind regards, Al Croseri http://www.pigeonsincombat.com
  16. Pigeons In Combat
    thanks Mick! Take care, Best, Al www.pigeonsincombat.com
  17. Pigeons In Combat
    Dear Pigeon Fanciers, I thought you may find Kaiser's tribute of interest. The tribute includes the article, "Portrait of a Pigeon", by Wilson P. Dizard, that was published in the NY Times in 1946. PIGEONS IN COMBAT"S tribute to Kaiser, the famous WWI Captured German War Pigeon. KAISER, WWI CAPTURED GERMAN WAR PIGEON "KAISER" 1917-1949 BAND # 17-47-0-350 RED CHECKER COCK BRED AND TRAINED BY THE GERMAN IMPERIAL CROWN CAPTURED BY THE YANKS IN 1918 DURING THE MEUSE ARGONNE OFFENSIVE ASSIGNED TO THE US ARMY SIGNAL CORPS, FORT MONMOUTH, N.J AND CAMP CROWDER, MO. HANDLED BY COL. CLIFFORD ALGY POUTRE FROM 1936-1943 KAISER LIVED FOR 321/2 YEARS SPECIALTY-OUTSTANDING BREEDER PORTRAIT OF A PIGEON By Wilson P. Dizard Published in The New York Times, February 24, 1946 Technically, Kaiser could be called a traitor to the Imperial Crown of Germany. A soldier of fortune, he has served under two flags in two international wars. This may seem surprising when one considers that Kaiser is 29 years old and that his kind has always been regarded as a symbol of peace. But Kaiser carries no olive branch in his bill-he's a Regular Army Flier, assigned to the United States Signal Corps, and the oldest pigeon known to history. To read the entire article and to see Kaiser's tribute, please visit "The Pigeoneers" section on the website : http://www.pigeonsincombat.com/thepigeoneerswebpage.html and scroll down. Kind regards, Al Croseri http://www.pigeonsincombat.com
  18. Pigeons In Combat
    Dear Pigeon Fanciers, I received the following email from Richard Baker, MA (Msgt, USAF ret.), Chief, Research Center Branch, Army Heritage and Education Center and thought you may find it of interest. Good Morning Mr. Croseri, Your message was forwarded to me by our Director, Dr. Crane. I will place a copy of the details about " Gimpy" in our reference file on "Pigeons." I've also noted and saved your excellent website for future reference and referral to those who may be seeking information on the "Soldiers Fine Feathered Friends." The link here is to our most recent article on the Army.mil website and the weekly feature series "This Week in Army History" that focused upon the subject of "combat" pigeons. I hope you enjoy it. Thank you for your efforts to maintain and present the history and story of military pigeons to the world. You are invited to visit the Institute to see and study more about the history of the U.S. Army. Thank you. Richard L. Baker, MA (MSgt, USAF ret.) Chief, Research Center Branch Army Heritage and Education Center U.S. Army Military History Institute (PSD) 950 Soldiers Drive Carlisle, PA 17013 FINE, FEATHERED FRIENDS! November 22, 2009 By Stewart Beattie, Special Guest Contributor, Student and Intern from Shippensburg University, PA In November, 1944, G.I. Joe, a member of the United States Army, saved the lives of at least 100 Allied soldiers. In just twenty minutes G.I. Joe traveled over 20 miles to deliver a message of grave importance. With only minutes to spare he stopped an air raid from bombing a newly occupied village filled with Allied soldiers. G.I. Joe was not a super soldier; he was a Blue Chock splashed pigeon. One rarely thinks of their flying over the battle-worn trenches of World War I or through the bombarded night skies of World War II. Yet during both wars, thousands of pigeons were used. To read the entire article and to see photographs, please visit The Pigeoneers section on the website http://www.pigeonsincombat.com or please click here http://www.pigeonsincombat.com/thepigeoneerswebpage.html and scroll down. Kind regards, Al Croseri http://www.pigeonsincombat.com
  19. Pigeons In Combat
    THE PIGEONEERS LIBRARY COLLECTIONS Dear Pigeon Fanciers, I am very pleased to announce that “The Pigeoneers†has been acquired for the collection of the Grace Doherty Library, Centre College, Danville, Kentucky. This acquisition is for academic purposes only. The mission of The Grace Doherty Library is to support the curriculum of Centre College. Kindest regards, Al Croseri http://www.pigeonsincombat.com
  20. Pigeons In Combat
    Hey Mick, It's a pleasure to support Jack--he is the future of our sport!! Thanks for all your kind words. I'm doing my best to preserve the history and legacy of the homing pigeons and their heroic war efforts. Take very good care mo chara and say hello to Jack! Your friend, Al http://www.pigeonsincombat.com
  21. Pigeons In Combat
    Dear Pigeon Fanciers, I thought you may enjoy reading the story of Gimpy, WWII US Army Pigeon. Gimpy, WWII US Army Pigeon "GIMPY" HATCHED IN 1938 SON OF "THE KAISER", FAMOUS WW1 CAPTURED GERMAN WAR PIGEON BRED & TRAINED BY COL. CLIFFORD ALGY POUTRE, US ARMY LOFTS, FORT MONMOUTH, NJ SPECIALTY-HOMING TO MOBILE LOFTS National Defense: Gimpy Published on Monday, Feb. 24, 1941 Time Magazine From the day he got his feathers Gimpy was a superior bird. Master Sgt. Clifford Algy Poutre, the lean, leathery boss pigeon man at the Signal Corps pigeon lofts on the Jersey flats at Fort Monmouth, liked to say that the Army would hear from Gimpy some day. His breed was right. His father, old red Kaiser, captured in a German trench in the Argonne, is still the oldest military pigeon in the business (24 last month), and his Scotland-hatched mother had good blood in her. Since Sgt. Poutre gave Gimpy the job of instructing younger pigeons last fall, he has turned out 150 graduates, trained to fly back to the trailer lofts as straight as a crow. Taken farther and farther away each day from Monmouth, he led them back unerringly to the loft, showed them that a pigeon can fly with a message capsule on leg or back. Last week, on his twisted right leg, three-year-old Gimpy stumped among a new class of 52 youngsters, fixed them with a hard eye. To read Gimpy's entire story, please visit "The Pigeoneers" page on the website and scroll down: http://www.pigeonsincombat.com or please visit: http://www.pigeonsincombat.com/thepigeoneerswebpage.html and scroll down. All the best for 2010!!! Kindest regards, Al Croseri http://www.pigeonsincombat.com
  22. Pigeons In Combat
    Dear Pigeon Fanciers, I received the following email from Liam Kelly, Chairman of Larne and District Historical Society. I share this news with great sorrow. John Mc Mullan, 88 year old pigeon fancier, who helped train Paddy, WWII Irish War Pigeon Hero, passed away on October 23, 2009. John will always be remembered with Paddy and his dear friend Capt. Andrew Hughes. Kindest regards, Al Croseri http://www.pigeonsincombat.com Hi Alessandro, I regret to have to tell you that John Mc Mullan passed away on 23rd October, 2009. He was admitted to hospital three days after unveiling the plaque. One of his friends told me that he was determined to unveil the plaque even though he was feeling ill. Apparently John had cancer. I feel comforted by the fact that he was with us long enough to have fulfilled his wish to see a plaque dedicated to Paddy. Your friend Liam For more information on the Paddy Plaque unveiling in Carnlough, Ireland and to listen to the song, Paddy, The Pigeon, please visit: http://www.pigeonsincombat.com/film.html and scroll down.
  23. Pigeons In Combat
    Hi Pigeon Fanciers, I thought you may find Dr. David Bird's column, "Fine, feathered war heros. Birds transported vital information during World Wars and before," The Gazette, Montreal, Canada, of interest. Dr. David M. Bird is professor of Wildlife Biology and Director of the Avian Science and Conservation Centre of McGill University. He is the author or editor of several books including City Critters: How to Live with Urban Wildlife, Bird's Eye View: A Practical Compendium for Bird Lovers and The Bird Almanac: The Ultimate Guide to Essential Facts on the World's Birds. Dr. Bird has received many awards for his conservation efforts and is past-president of the Raptor Research Foundation, a Fellow of the American Ornithologists' Union, and Canadian representative on the International Ornithological Committee. He is a regular columnist on birds for Bird Watcher's Digest and the Montreal Gazette. The Pigeoneers Press Fine, feathered war heros Birds transported vital information during World Wars and before By David Bird The Gazette, Montreal, Canada November 18, 2009 I often think of my dad repairing the skins of the Spitfires and Hurricanes that were shot to pieces by Messerschmits, Focke Wulfs and ground fire over the Dutch coast during the Second World War. He didn't talk about war much, except to say that most of the time he was scared out of his wits. But David Archibald Bird was not the only "bird" over there fighting the Nazis. While many of us refer to them as "winged rats" or "flying bags of disease," the lowly rock pigeon has played a very significant role during a number of wars, notably in both World Wars and as recently as the Korean War. Known as homing or carrier pigeons, these birds have a remarkable talent for finding their way back to their loft over distances of thousands of kilometres and from unfamiliar places in all kinds of weather. They have been valued as faithful carriers of messages during times of both war and peace. War pigeons were parachuted behind enemy lines in containers for use by the resistance to carry information critical to the Allies. Other birds were released from mobile lofts, tanks and aircraft to take vital messages back to headquarters. Naturally, these actions made them targets for enemy soldiers using not only guns but trained falcons. Tens of thousands died and a number became feathered folk heroes. To read the entire column, please visit "The Pigeoneers" page on the website: http://www.pigeonsincombat.com or http://www.pigeonsincombat.com/thepigeoneerswebpage.html and scroll down. Kind regards, Al Croseri http://www.pigeonsincombat.com
×
×
  • Create New...