30 years ago, the Swiss army demobilized its carrier pigeons

(Keystone-ATS) For 77 years, the Swiss army used carrier pigeons to carry messages over long distances. These feathered auxiliaries were demobilized 30 years ago.

The use of racing pigeons was decided by the Federal Council in 1917. A thousand young pigeons were purchased at that time, according to the minutes of the government meeting.

The authorities wanted to capitalize on the innate ability of these birds to find their way home, even if they find themselves in an unfamiliar region. With an average cruising speed of 60 km/h, the carrier pigeon can cover distances of 100 kilometers and more, with a high success rate.

The animal can carry up to 6 grams in the capsule attached to its leg and even 40 grams under its chest. For the Swiss army, pigeons carried, for example, original documents or soil samples, explains the Swiss Federation of Racing Pigeons on its website.

The secrets of talent

To find their way, the pigeons, which weigh between 300 and 500 grams and have a wingspan of about 70 centimeters, rely on the sun, terrestrial magnetism, hearing, sight and smell, according to the same source.

The carrier pigeon service was initially intended as a temporary measure, according to the Bibliotheque am Guisanplatz (Big) in Bern, the library of the federal administration and the army. It became more professional in 1920. Courses were then organized to teach the military how to handle the birds.

It was therefore recommended that the animals be used only during the day and in good weather conditions. Darkness, fog and violent storms make return flights uncertain.

Closing clap in 1994

In addition to the army pigeons stationed at the Sand barracks near Schönbühl (BE), “militia” racing pigeons were also called up for military service in cooperation with the Swiss Federation. In return, the breeders received a salary of 20 centimes per bird per day as well as a flat-rate allowance for food throughout the year.

Carrier pigeons ultimately fell victim to the Army 95 reform. The Federal Military Department (DMF) at the time argued for cost-cutting pressure, the increasing operating costs of electronic transmission and the diminishing military importance of carrier pigeons.

The army’s 7,000 pigeons and some 30,000 militia birds were released from service on September 22, 1994, after 77 years of loyal service.

A committee tried to oppose this decision by launching an initiative, which, however, did not succeed. The future of the winged messengers was nevertheless secured: they remained at the Sand station and were taken over by a foundation. Thus, the 7,000 animals concerned did not have to be slaughtered.