Near Damloup in Meuse, Alsace, Lorraine, Champagne-Ardenne, France — Western Europe
Pigeon de Verdun
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, November 18, 2024
1. Pigeon de Verdun Marker
Aux colombophiles morts pour la France av pigeon de Verdun
De ce fort est parti pendant la bataille de Verdun le 4 juin 1916, le dernier pigeon voyageur du commandant Raynal (No. 787-15) portant le message suivant: ,Br< "Nous tenons toujours mais nous subissons une Attaque, par les gaz et les fumées très dangereuse Il y a urgence à nous dégager. Faites-nous donner de suite communication optique par Souville qui ne répond pas à nos appels. C’est mon dernier pigeon."
Le pigeon accomplit sa mission et a obtenu la citation suivante.
"Malgré des difficultés énormes résultant d’une intense fumée et d’une Émission abondante de gaz, a accompli la mission dont l’avait chargé le Commandant Raynal. Unique moyen de communication de l'héroïque défenseur du fort de Vaux. A transmis les derniers renseignements qui aient été reçus de cet officier. Fortement Intoxique est arrivé mourant au colombier." Diplôme de Bague d’Honneur
Cette plaque a été érigée par souscription des Sociétés Colombophiles de France. Par les amis des pigeons voyageurs et par les soins « Pigeon de Verdun » Société colombophile de Verdun
this page online
From this fort left during the battle of Verdun on June 4, 1916, the last carrier pigeon of Commander Raynal (No. 787-15) bearing the following message:
"we are still holding but we are undergoing a Attack, by gas and smoke very dangerous It is urgent to free ourselves. Have us immediately give optical communication by Souville who does not answer our calls. This is my last pigeon."
The pigeon accomplished its mission and obtained the following citation:
"Despite enormous difficulties resulting from intense smoke and Abundant emission of gas, accomplished the mission with which Commander Raynal had entrusted it. The only means of communication of the heroic defender of the fort of Vaux. Transmitted the last information that was received from this officer. Highly Intoxicated arrived dying at the dovecote." Diplôme de Bague d’Honneur
This plaque was erected by subscription of the Pigeon Fanciers of France. By the friends of racing pigeons and by the care of "Pigeon de Verdun" Pigeon Fanciers Society of Verdun and inaugurated
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, November 18, 2024
2. Pigeon de Verdun Marker
Erected 1929 by Sociétés Colombophiles de France.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Communications • War, World I. A significant historical year for this entry is 1916.
Location. 49° 12.003′ N, 5° 28.211′ E. Marker is near Damloup, Grand Est (Alsace, Lorraine, Champagne-Ardenne), in Meuse. It can be reached from Grand Est Route 913A 3 kilometers north of Route 913. Mark is on the outer wall of Fort Vaux in the parking area at the end of D913a. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Damloup, Grand Est 55400, France. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, a coastal Mediterranean country, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a French colony, the Roman Empire, and specifically the Holy Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: De sa construction à la bataille de Verdun (a few steps from this marker); Fort de Vaux (a few steps from this marker);
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, November 18, 2024
3. The Pigeon Display Inside the Fort.
Regarding Pigeon de Verdun. Only pigeon ever awad the Legion of Honor medal.
Also see . . . Le Vailant (Wikipedia). (Submitted on February 3, 2025, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 3, 2025, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. This page has been viewed 112 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 3, 2025, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York.
