I recently watched an episode of All Creatures Great and Small (Season 5 Episode 7), where Tristan was assigned a special wartime mission involving pigeons.
This caused me to think about Cher Ami, the fearless carrier pigeon that saved nearly 200 soldiers during World War I, and reminded me of a personal experience that offered a glimpse into the world of these remarkable birds.
As an enthusiastic fan of James Herriot’s All Creatures Great and Small, spending a few weeks as an observer in Siegfried Farnon’s practice in 1983 was a dream come true. While the television adaptation beautifully captures the charm of Yorkshire’s veterinary life, one aspect of Siegfried’s world rarely makes it to the screen. His passion for pigeons.
I remember standing outside Siegfried’s pigeon loft, listening to the gentle cooing of his birds. Siegfried’s (aka Donald Sinclair) excitement was infectious as he explained the intricacies of pigeon keeping. It was clear these birds weren’t just a pastime; they were a part of his identity, just as much as his role as a veterinarian.
Stepping inside the loft, however, brought a different sensation. The tight, musty space triggered a flicker of anxiety in me. Memories of my veterinary training warning about fungal spores in bird environments surfaced immediately. I instinctively held my breath, torn between admiration and unease. Siegfried, however, moved effortlessly among his birds, handling them with the same care he would a lamb in distress or a dog in need of treatment.
It struck me then what incredible creatures pigeons are. They live in the margins of human life, often unnoticed, yet they hold a profound place in history.
Cher Ami: A Pigeon’s Flight to Heroism
Siegfried’s love for pigeons may have been a quiet passion, but history has seen moments where these birds proved their immense value.
In the chaos of World War I, when soldiers’ lives hung by a thread, a single pigeon changed the fate of nearly 200 men. Cher Ami was no ordinary bird. As the Lost Battalion lay stranded in the Argonne Forest, bombarded by their own artillery, every messenger they sent was shot down. Hope was slipping away.
Then came Cher Ami.
Despite being hit in the breast, blinded in one eye, and losing a leg, this small bird flew 25 miles in 25 minutes to deliver the desperate plea:
"We are along the road parallel to 276.4. Our own artillery is dropping a barrage directly on us. For heaven’s sake, stop it."
Because of Cher Ami’s flight, 194 soldiers survived.
Much like Siegfried’s pigeons, Cher Ami wasn’t the most obvious hero. No medals gleamed on her chest, no soldier saluted her on the battlefield. But she was a lifeline, proving that courage comes in the most unexpected forms.
Rick’s Commentary
As I reflect on both Cher Ami’s story and my time in Siegfried’s pigeon loft, I’m struck by a recurring theme: unsung heroes.
Veterinarians, much like carrier pigeons, often work behind the scenes, far from the spotlight, yet their efforts change lives. Whether it’s a vet trekking through the Yorkshire Dales on a bitter winter’s night or a pigeon risking its life to deliver a message through enemy fire, heroism isn’t always loud. It’s often quiet, persistent, and entirely unassuming.
The next time I see a pigeon, I’ll think of Siegfried, Cher Ami, and all the unsung heroes of veterinary medicine who make a difference every day.
You can read tmy July 2024 blog post about SIegfried's pigeon loft here:
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