Racing Pigeons - Athletes of the Sky.
The History For over 2000 years since before the times of Jesus Christ human kind have harnessed the homing ability of the gallant racing pigeon.
The Romans used the homing pigeon to great effect to carry messages back from outlying areas.
More recently in the 20th century the racing pigeon had a huge effect in the 2nd world war saving thousands of lives.
The most decorated animal in the war was the homing pigeon with 32 Dicken medals being awarded to pigeons for their heroic deeds.
The Dicken Medal Instituted in 1943 to honour the work of animals in war.
Inscribed with the words "For Gallantry" and "We also serve" awarded to 32 pigeons between 1943 and 1949 William of Orange was a male (cock) racing pigeon, was awarded the 21st Dicken Medal for delivering a message from the "Arnhem Airborne Operation", his efforts saved 2000 lives in September 1945.
There were no other lines of communication at the time as the few radio sets they had all malfunctioned, and they were surrounded by German troops.
He was released at 10.
30 on the 19th September and delivered his message home in England at 14.
55 after covering a distance of 250 miles.
These days racing pigeons are kept mainly for sport which is carried out by many thousands of pigeon fanciers in all over the world, a great deal of money can be won by winning the larger championship and National pigeon races.
The Modern Racing Pigeon The modern racing pigeon has been refined through breeding to be an all out athlete and can cover vast distances at fast speeds to reach it's home.
There is absolutely no comparison with the feral street pigeons we all see in our city centers.
Racing pigeons are kept in clean hygienic conditions and cared for by concerned dedicated pigeon fanciers, if they are not kept in this way they cannot be expected to win races.
They must be healthy and free from diseases to compete and put in the great effort to race home.
Pigeon fanciers come from all walks of life from the working class to rich millionaires and it is one sport where money will not necessarily buy you success all compete on level terms.
As with all sports and hobbies some take it more seriously than others but to be successful you have to be truly dedicated to the sport and as with any other hobby the main thing is that you enjoy it.
Large amounts of money can be won but the vast majority of pigeon fanciers are in it purely for the sport and the joy of competing.
The History For over 2000 years since before the times of Jesus Christ human kind have harnessed the homing ability of the gallant racing pigeon.
The Romans used the homing pigeon to great effect to carry messages back from outlying areas.
More recently in the 20th century the racing pigeon had a huge effect in the 2nd world war saving thousands of lives.
The most decorated animal in the war was the homing pigeon with 32 Dicken medals being awarded to pigeons for their heroic deeds.
The Dicken Medal Instituted in 1943 to honour the work of animals in war.
Inscribed with the words "For Gallantry" and "We also serve" awarded to 32 pigeons between 1943 and 1949 William of Orange was a male (cock) racing pigeon, was awarded the 21st Dicken Medal for delivering a message from the "Arnhem Airborne Operation", his efforts saved 2000 lives in September 1945.
There were no other lines of communication at the time as the few radio sets they had all malfunctioned, and they were surrounded by German troops.
He was released at 10.
30 on the 19th September and delivered his message home in England at 14.
55 after covering a distance of 250 miles.
These days racing pigeons are kept mainly for sport which is carried out by many thousands of pigeon fanciers in all over the world, a great deal of money can be won by winning the larger championship and National pigeon races.
The Modern Racing Pigeon The modern racing pigeon has been refined through breeding to be an all out athlete and can cover vast distances at fast speeds to reach it's home.
There is absolutely no comparison with the feral street pigeons we all see in our city centers.
Racing pigeons are kept in clean hygienic conditions and cared for by concerned dedicated pigeon fanciers, if they are not kept in this way they cannot be expected to win races.
They must be healthy and free from diseases to compete and put in the great effort to race home.
Pigeon fanciers come from all walks of life from the working class to rich millionaires and it is one sport where money will not necessarily buy you success all compete on level terms.
As with all sports and hobbies some take it more seriously than others but to be successful you have to be truly dedicated to the sport and as with any other hobby the main thing is that you enjoy it.
Large amounts of money can be won but the vast majority of pigeon fanciers are in it purely for the sport and the joy of competing.