Was message by pigeon ever a real thing? Were important messages actually sent this way?

by brawnandbrain
jonewer

Yes indeed.

In fact, in the absence of readily portable radios in the First World War, and with telegraph/telephone wires being frequently cut by the large volumes of artillery, pigeons were one of the most effective means for troops at the front to get reports back to HQ.

I wouldn't want to discourage any further answers but this thread features a fantastic and in depth summary of pigeons in the war written by u/mikedash