Ninth graders will be learning about World War I. This is always an interesting and sad event. One of my favorite stories from World War I, is that of the famous pigeon, Cher Amis.
On October 30, 1918, Charles Whittlesey dispatched messages by pigeon, when his men were trapped. The first message, "Many wounded. We cannot evacuate." was shot down. A second bird was sent with the message, "Men are suffering. Can support be sent?" That pigeon also was shot down. Only one homing pigeon was left: "Cher Ami". She was dispatched with a note in a canister on her left leg,
We are along the road paralell (sic) to 276.4. Our own artillery is dropping a barrage directly on us. For heavens sake stop it.As Cher Ami tried to fly back home, the Germans saw her rising out of the brush and opened fire. For several moments, Cher Ami flew with bullets zipping through the air all around her. She managed to deliver the message but was gravely wounded. She healed of her wounds and went on tour to the United States. A little wooden leg was carved for her...but sadly, her life was cut short, even for a pigeon, and she died a year later.
