Pigeon Post

One of the unexpectedly interesting minor exhibits at Bletchley Park yesterday was about the use of pigeons in WWII. The recommended way of wrapping a pigeon for transport left Your Reporter somewhat dubious as to the potential for damage to the human operator (although it obviously worked, given the production of a “somewhat crumpled pigeon” from inside the battledress of the signals officer after the attack on the Merville Battery). Particularly notable pigeons were awarded the Dickin Medal, the “Animal VC” founded in 1943 by the PDSA .

23 of the 53 Dickin Medal recipients of WWII were homing pigeons, used among other things as battlefield messengers, to carry secret documents, or released by downed air crew in need of rescue – even if they turned up without a message, the handlers were often able to work out where they had come from by the condition of the bird.

To be honest, I cannot consider that the pigeon, even the truly exceptional pigeon, is capable of the conscious “[display of] conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty”, although some of them seem to have been truly impressive and tenacious racing birds*. On the other hand, it is a recognition of the achievements of the breeders and trainers, who were civilians who offered their birds for use, which seems worthwhile.

*I might allow that horses, dogs, and the sole feline winner might be, on the basis that in some of the cases at least their actions were not solely obeying instinct, training, or saving their own lives.

Pigeon winners of the Dickin Medal, from the RPRA website.

( Cut for pigeons )