The “Did You Know?†series is a recurring blog about interesting facts involving the U.S. military and its many components. The purpose is to enlighten and entertain readers with information not readily known.

 

During the WWII over 56,000 carrier pigeons were sent into the front lines and some actually receiving medals of bravery.

Kleenex tissues were invented for use as gas mask filters during the WWI.

During the Siege of Mafeking in the Second Boer War, Robert Baden-Powell recruited and trained 12-15 year old boys as scouts. The Mafeking Cadet Corps was a group of youths that supported the troops by carrying messages, which freed the men for military duties. The Cadet Corps performed well, helping in the defense of the town, and was a key factor in inspiring Baden-Powell to form the Boy Scouts, a Para-Military youth organization originally run along military lines.