The Royal Pigeon Racing Association to hold race in Chelmsford to Commemorate WWI

23 Aug The Royal Pigeon Racing Association to hold race in Chelmsford to Commemorate WWI

100 years since the end of World War One is being commemorated in Chelmsford with a special pigeon race held at Boyton Hall Farm. Over 45 clubs from across the UK are entering the race, drawing pigeon fanciers from around the country to the liberation site in Essex.

These regions include Yorkshire Middle Route Combine who hope to have around 20 clubs entering, Hull and District SR Federation with nine clubs competing and East Coast Federation with seven.

This year, the organisation has been holding many races up and down the country in order to remember the vital role carrier pigeons played throughout the conflict. Carrier pigeons were used by the military as messengers because of their homing ability and speed. Over 100,000 pigeons were used in the war with a success rate of 95% in delivering their messages.

These races both celebrate the sport in general and recognise the birds who were donated to help in the war effort over both World Wars.