Pigeons are birds that are usually used as food and pets. But did you know that there are many famous war pigeons in history who have saved millions of lives? If you’re hearing this for the first time, it might be doubtful to you. But I am going to tell you about 15 famous war pigeons in this article. To increase your historical knowledge, without further ado, you can start reading.

Historical Context of famous war pigeons

Famous war pigeons played a crucial role in military history, particularly during the World Wars. These pigeons were trained to carry vital messages across enemy lines when other forms of communication were unreliable or compromised. Pigeons’ bravery and reliability made them indispensable, earning them medals and recognition for their contributions to the war efforts.

Notable famous War Pigeons

Numerous pigeons became famous for their heroic contributions during the wars, often saving countless lives and securing military victories through their successful message deliveries.

What are the most famous War Pigeons?

The most famous war pigeons are Cher Ami and G.I. Joe. Cher Ami, serving in World War I, delivered a vital message despite severe injuries, saving nearly 200 soldiers. G.I. Joe, in World War II, carried a message that prevented the bombing of an Italian village, saving over a thousand lives. Both pigeons were awarded prestigious military honors for their bravery and crucial contributions.

Detailed Profiles of Famous War Pigeons

Cher Ami : The Most Famous War Pigeons

Cher Ami, a homing pigeon born in France, was trained by the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World War I. In October 1918, during the Battle of the Argonne, Cher Ami flew 25 miles despite severe injuries to deliver a crucial message from the Lost Battalion, saving nearly 200 soldiers from friendly fire. For this heroic act, Cher Ami received the French Croix de Guerre and became a symbol of hope and resilience. Cher Ami lived out his days as a celebrated war hero and is preserved at the Smithsonian Institution.

G.I. Joe: Another famous war pigeons

G.I. Joe, a pigeon born in the United States in 1943, was trained by the U.S. Army Pigeon Service during World War II. His most notable achievement was during the Italian Campaign in October 1943, when he flew 20 miles in 20 minutes to deliver a message that prevented an airstrike on a village just captured by British troops, saving over 1,000 lives. For his bravery, G.I. Joe received the Dickin Medal. He lived out his life as a celebrated war hero and was honored by the United States Army Signal Corps.

Paddy the Pigeon from Carnlough 

Paddy, a pigeon born in 1943, received training from the Irish Army Pigeon Service. Known for his exceptional speed and homing ability, he played a crucial role during World War II. Paddy’s most notable contribution came during the D-Day landings in June 1944, where he delivered vital messages from Normandy to England in record time, helping coordinate the Allied invasion. For his bravery and swift service, Paddy was awarded the Dickin Medal, the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross. Paddy’s efforts significantly contributed to the success of the D-Day operations, and he is remembered as a war hero.

White vision pigeon

A pigeon, White Vision  born in 1943 and trained by the National Pigeon Service in the UK. Known for his strong homing instinct and resilience, White Vision played a critical role during World War II. His most significant contribution occurred on October 11, 1943, when he delivered a crucial message that led to the rescue of an aircrew of a ditched Flying Fortress in the North Sea. Despite harsh weather conditions, White Vision flew over 60 miles to deliver the message, ensuring the survival of the stranded crew. For his bravery and service, he was awarded the Dickin Medal. White Vision’s efforts exemplified the vital role pigeons played in wartime communication and rescue operations.

Mary of Exeter War pigeon

Mary of Exeter was born in the 1930s and trained by her owner, Charlie Brewer, a cobbler in Exeter, England. During World War II, Mary served with the National Pigeon Service, delivering vital messages across enemy lines. Despite being injured multiple times by enemy fire, Mary showed incredible resilience and determination. She survived several attacks and continued to complete her missions, even after undergoing surgeries to remove shrapnel and having her feathers stitched back together. Her bravery and endurance made her a symbol of courage and perseverance. Mary of Exeter was awarded the Dickin Medal for her extraordinary service, highlighting the critical role pigeons played in wartime communications.

Gustav pegier pigeon

Gustav, a pigeon born in 1942, was trained by the British Army during World War II. He played a crucial role as one of the homing pigeons used by the Allies to carry messages across enemy lines. Gustav’s most notable contribution came on D-Day, June 6, 1944, when he delivered the first news of the Normandy landings back to the UK. Despite strong winds and dangerous conditions, Gustav flew over the English Channel, carrying the message that the landings had commenced successfully. This vital information was crucial for coordinating further military actions. Gustav’s dedication and reliability in such a critical mission earned him the Dickin Medal, highlighting his significant contribution to the war effort.

NPS.42.NS.2780 : Who received the Dickin Medal

NPS.42.NS.2780, a pigeon from the National Pigeon Service, was trained for military communication during World War II. Known for his exceptional homing abilities, he played a vital role in delivering important messages across enemy lines. His efforts ensured the success of numerous missions by maintaining communication between allied forces. NPS.42.NS.2780’s bravery and reliability were instrumental in saving lives and supporting the war effort.

Commando Pigeon: A  War Pigeon

Commando was a pigeon born in 1942 and trained by the British Army during World War II. He was raised and trained for war communication tasks. Commando became one of the most reliable and effective messenger pigeons, known for his remarkable ability to deliver messages through hostile territory. He made a significant impact during the war by completing over ninety successful missions. Commando’s most notable contributions include delivering crucial messages from French Resistance agents to Allied forces, often under heavy enemy fire. For his bravery and unwavering service, Commando was awarded the Dickin Medal, the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross. His efforts significantly aided the Allied war effort, making him one of the most celebrated war pigeons in history.

President wilson pigeon

President Wilson, born in 1917, was a pigeon trained by the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World War I. His early life saw rigorous training to become an effective war messenger. In the war, President Wilson played a crucial role in delivering important messages under dangerous conditions. His most notable contribution came during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in 1918 when he successfully delivered a critical message despite being injured. His bravery and service saved many lives and contributed to the success of military operations. For his heroic actions, President Wilson was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, highlighting his significant impact on the war effort.

Kenley Lass : Famous war pigeons

Kenley Lass, a pigeon from the Royal Air Force, was trained for military service during World War II. Known for her exceptional homing abilities, she delivered vital messages between units, often under dangerous conditions. Her reliable service ensured that crucial information reached its destination, contributing to the success of numerous operations. Kenley Lass’s bravery and significant contributions to the war effort earned her the prestigious Dickin Medal.

Scotch Lass a famous war pigeons

Scotch Lass, a distinguished pigeon from World War II, was born in 1943. Raised and trained in Britain, she developed exceptional skills in message delivery. Her most significant contribution occurred during the D-Day landings in 1944, where she carried vital intelligence from Normandy to England under perilous conditions. Despite the dangers, Scotch Lass delivered her messages swiftly and accurately, aiding the Allied forces’ strategic planning. Her bravery and efficiency in the face of war hazards earned her recognition and honors, making her a celebrated war pigeon of her time.

The pigeon william of  orange

William of Orange, a famous war pigeons, was born and trained in Britain during World War II. Known for his exceptional homing abilities, he played a crucial role in the war effort. His most notable contribution came on September 6, 1944, when he delivered an urgent message from the British 1st Airborne Division during the Battle of Arnhem. Despite challenging conditions and enemy fire, William of Orange successfully carried the message over 400 kilometers in just over four hours. His heroic efforts provided critical intelligence that aided the Allies. For his bravery, he was awarded the Dickin Medal, the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.

Beachcomber : A Canadian War Pigeon 

Beach Comber was a Canadian pigeon. Born in 1941, he was raised and trained in Canada. During World War II, Beach Comber delivered vital messages across enemy lines, often under dangerous conditions. His efforts saved countless lives by ensuring communication between allied forces. Beach Comber’s bravery and reliability earned him the prestigious Dickin Medal in 1944, recognizing his significant contributions to the war effort.

Royal blue: Famous war pigeons

Royal Blue, a pigeon, was born in 1940 in England. Raised and trained by the Royal Air Force, he displayed exceptional homing skills from a young age. During World War II, Royal Blue delivered crucial messages between units, often flying through dangerous territories. His reliable service ensured that vital information reached its destination, contributing to the success of numerous operations. For his bravery and significant contributions to the war effort, Royal Blue was awarded the Dickin Medal in 1945.

Kaiser : German war bird to  American History

Kaiser, a carrier pigeon, was employed by the German Army in World War I to deliver messages. However, he was captured by American soldiers during the Meuse-Argonne offensive in 1918 and subsequently served the Allies. After the war, Kaiser was relocated to Ft. Monmouth, N.J., which served as the headquarters for the U.S. Signal Corps. Kaiser spent the majority of his 32-year life at Camp Crowder, Missouri, with the exception of a brief period during World War II when he was utilized for training homing pigeons.When he passed away in 1949, he was preserved through taxidermy and transferred to the Smithsonian Institution.

There are some additional notable Famous war pigeons

This table highlights each pigeon’s notable contributions to wartime communications.

Pigeon Name	Notable Contributions
Spike	Served during World War II, delivering messages across enemy lines.
Dutch Coast	Recognized for his contributions during the war efforts.
Mercury	Awarded the Dickin Medal for bravery and significant contributions during wartime.
Broad Arrow	Noted for delivering vital communications during military operations.
Maquis	Known for his outstanding service in delivering messages under difficult conditions.
Navy Blue	Played a crucial role in naval communications during the war.
Tommy	A pigeon who served with distinction, helping to relay important messages.
Siegfried	Renowned for his bravery and effectiveness in delivering wartime messages.
Broadway	Contributed significantly to the war effort with his message delivery.
Crusader	Recognized for his dedicated service in military operations.
Anzac	Named after the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, known for his service.
Yank	An American pigeon who served with distinction during the war.
Patriot	Honored for his contributions to the military through reliable message delivery.
Rising Sun	Played an important role in wartime communications.
Liberty	Known for his service and bravery in delivering messages during critical moments.
Victory	Celebrated for his significant role in military communications.
Bravo	Recognized for his contributions to the war effort through message delivery.
Valor	Honored for his bravery and effectiveness in delivering vital communications.
D-Day	Named after the pivotal military operation, known for his service during that time.
Red Baron	Noted for his swift and reliable message deliveries during wartime.

Conclusion

Famous war pigeons like Cher Ami, G.I. Joe, and Beach Comber played vital roles in military history, using their exceptional homing abilities to deliver crucial messages under dangerous conditions. Their bravery and dedication saved countless lives and contributed significantly to the success of many military operations. Honored with prestigious awards such as the Dickin Medal, these pigeons are remembered for their invaluable contributions to wartime communication and their heroic service.

About the Author

S M TANVIR HOSSAIN

Administrator

Visit Website View All Posts