WW I's "Lost Battalion"-- Part 3: Saved By Cher Ami

The American's of the "Lost Battalion" suffered many hardships.    Food was scarce and water was available only by crawling, under fire to a nearby stream.  Ammunition ran low.

At times they even bombarded by Allied artillery.

Every runner sent out by Whittlesey either got lost or was captured by the Germans.  Eventually he had to rely on carrier pigeons.

In one incident on October 4, a carrier pigeon delivered inaccurate instructions, causing a bombardment on their positions by friendly fire.  The unit was saved when another carrier pigeon named Cher Ami got through with this message:

"We are along the road parallel to 276.4.  Our artillery is dropping  a barrage directly on us.  For heavens sake stop it."

Despite this, the "Lost Battalion" held its ground and other Allied units were able to break through German lines, forcing them to retreat and what was left of the "Lost Battalion" saved.

Quite the Story.  --Cooter