Doveland (14 page)

Remaining at attention, Clovis waited for a response he feared may never come. Finally, two doves came forward.

“Wicklow here with Lord Aston, sir, British, second division.”

Then, three more came forward. “Hans, Pierre, and Coo De Gra, monsieur, France, third infantry.”

“Jaybird, and the General, sir, American Expeditionary Forces, third division.”

Stepping out of the brush behind him, “Moedig, and Huy, Belgian Army, sir.”

Soon, his patriotic friends appeared.

“The Diamond Doves from Australia at your service, sir.”

As more volunteers came forward to join their new leader, Clovis called out once again, but this time with the words of the old whistleblower from no man's land.

“Get them before they come and get you!”

Following their leader's call-to-arms, the troops united their strength, and bravely flew up in all directions, nipping at the tails of the hawks, and fearlessly chasing them back across the river.

The flock returned peacefully to the ground center of the threshold to rejoice in their victory, that they had risen above their fears in their quest for survival.

After proudly witnessing the triumph, Clovis privately slipped away to the south shore to a hideout once known as Little Sticks. Perching on a branch of the same old oak tree of the past, he could hear Homer's voice. “I wish we could stay here forever.”

BoCoo followed his father to the south shore to thank him for coming home, but remained speechless as he perched beside a father figure who seemed larger than life to him. Clovis continued gazing across the river, then spoke to BoCoo with the words of his own father.

“Don't ever leave the flock, son.”

“Yes, Papa.”

BoCoo promised his father that he would carry on the historic legacy he had bestowed upon their homeland.

“I am proud of you, my son.”

“I would be honored, Papa, to have your permission to name my first son after you.”

“I would like for you to name him after a very dear friend of mine. His name was Homer.”

“Yes, Papa.”

Clovis told his son he would join him shortly at the ground center.

And so, Clovis had returned to his past to find his future, but not with the scars of a wounded soldier. He cherished the memories of two friends simply strolling along the shore pecking pebbles, but that kind of happiness could not compare to the gratitude that transcends painful memories and provides courage to appreciate life, itself, no matter how fragile.

The following information is provided by the United States National Archives and Records Administration.

July 16, 1917 – Letter from Colonel E. Russell, Chief Signal Officer of the American Expeditionary Forces:

“Careful investigations have been made of the carrier pigeon service in the French and British armies in France.

Access has also been led to some of the material and documents captured from the Germans, which indicate the uses they have been making of carrier pigeons.

There is no longer any doubt of the immense importance of this service and necessity for immediate action on the part of the United States to provide similar service for our armies.”

July 17, 1917 – Cablegram to War Department, Washington, from General John J. Pershing, Commander-in-Chief of the American Expeditionary Forces – asking that two pigeon specialists be commissioned as first lieutenants and that twelve enlisted experts immediately proceed to France.

 

The following documentation is provided by the United States National Archives and Records Administration.

32   BIRDS HAVE DISTINGUISHED THEMSELVES DURING THE OPERATION OF THE AMERICAN ARMY AT THE FRONT (Eleven of them are listed below)

#615 Named Cher Ami

Delivered 12 important messages from the Verdun front to Rampont. Returned on last occasion with leg shot away, message tube containing important document hanging by tendon. Missile which carried away leg, also passed through breast.

#16374 Named President Wilson

Leg carried away by missile while carrying message from Verdun front to Cuisy during operations American Army. Bird also worked in sector during Mihiel operations, especially distinguished because of splendid work from tanks when all other communications failed.

#D-4084 Named The Mocker

Eye destroyed by shrapnel while working from Baumont front in St. Mihiel sector during operations American Army. Bird had carried many important messages.

#18568 Named – The Poilu

Severely wounded head and neck while carrying message from Verdun front to headquarters Cuisy. Distinguished for splendid work from tanks during St. Mihiel operations American Army.

#17314 Named Kaja-Boy

Head severely lacerated by shrapnel while carrying important message from post near Pont-a-Moussen, in Tank sector during operations of American Army.

#19079 Named Banchette

Carried important message from advance Centre Information on Verdun front. Four birds on post, other three killed by shell which also killed two pigeoneers in charge of birds.

#16891 Named Petite Rosette

Working from extreme advance post, Third Corps, First American Army, carried message announcing the capture of Hill 287, one of the hardest positions to overcome on entire front. This bird carried many important messages during Verdun operations and was commended by commanding general for splendid service.

#16757 Named Lord Adelaide

Severely wounded while working from trenches at Cuisy. Carried several important messages during St. Mihiel operations, and did splendid work from tank sectors

#15705 Named Reliable

Carried many important messages during Chateau Thierry drive between Vesle River and Igny-do-Abbaye also during Argonne Forest drive when troops surrounded and in desperate need of assistance when all other communciations had failed. Reliable arrived in time to secure needed relief and was instrumental in enabling American troops to drive back the enemy.

#15360 Named The Premier

During heavy rain and fog, carried very important message from beleaguered troops from Argonne Forest. Also worked during Chateau Thierry drive of American Troops carrying many important messages from posts on Vesle River.

#26839 Named Lady Jane

This bird severely gassed at front at Verdun. After being held 16 days during heaviest fighting, returned with message. Was in terrible state of emaciation.

About the Author

Martha Moore attended Florida International University and majored in Sociology. She began writing
Doveland
while working for the federal government in Nashville TN. In 2004, she relocated with her family to New England where her daughter, Catherine Grace, author of
Megan's Promise
, inspired her to go from writer to author. [email protected]

About the Illustrator

Monique Legasey Pappas is owner and founder of Creative Communications Art Studio, Leicester MA. She holds a degree in Art Education, where she uses her expertise to inspire children and adults to express themselves through various artistic mediums. She has been commissioned by private and public organizations to create works of art for use in their business and private use. See more on her website
www.creativecommunicationsartstudio.com