Wartime Wings: Honouring the Pigeons of WWII

Homing pigeons played an important part in the war effort due to their speed and
reliability. Used as messengers, they carried tiny leg canisters - and even
unmanned cameras - to troops behind enemy lines. After delivering their messages, they would return to their coop, setting off a wire with a buzzer or bell to
alert soldiers of their safe return.

pair of pigeons sat on a branch

Their missions were extremely dangerous, as enemy forces often tried to shoot them down, knowing the vital information they carried.

During the Second World War, the UK used around 250,000 pigeons. Thirty-two of these remarkable birds were awarded the Dickin Medal - the highest honour for animal bravery - an extraordinary achievement.

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On Thursday 8th May, we can all take a moment to raise a glass in honour of the immense sacrifices made both at home and abroad- by people and animals alike.

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