Using pigeons in WW2

Discussion in 'General' started by The Aviator, Dec 4, 2007.

  1. The Aviator

    The Aviator Discharged

    When does a bird need a parachute? It may sound like a joke, but there is a serious answer: when it needs to be dropped behind enemy lines. During World War II, a factory in Monmouth made parachutes for pigeons to enable them to be dropped into France


    Up to 16,000 pigeons were dropped into France by this method, but only just over 1,800 made it back to Britain, as a lot could have perished unfound in their containers.
    "They were dropped in the hope that people who found them would return them with information. It was a brilliantly simple idea." Many may not have been found, but some could have fallen victim to a counter-attack strategy by the Nazis - a "squadron" of falcons posted at the French coasts to catch any pigeons winging their way across the English Channel.

    A special section was even set up at Military Intelligence called MI14 to organise the use of pigeons to help win the war.

    BBC NEWS | UK | Wales | Wartime pigeon parachute on show
     

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  2. Peter Clare

    Peter Clare Very Senior Member

  3. WHITLEYMAN

    WHITLEYMAN Junior Member

    Wasnt that a great show on aunty the other night?I had no idea pigeons played so vital a role in Market Garden and other operations,you learn something new every day!These birds were portrayed as heroes,which I suppose they were.Though I dont believe a pigeon to be a sentient enough creature to understand the concept of bravery and duty;pigeon pie is absolutely off my menu forever!
     
  4. PsyWar.Org

    PsyWar.Org Archive monkey

    Pigeons also played a part in deception operations, particularly Operation Periwig - the joint SIS/SOE/PWE plan to fake anti-Nazi resistance in Germany. "Stale" birds were dropped in Germany with fake messages attached to their legs.

    Others were dropped with a questionnaire asking for friendly Germans to supply intelligence to Allies. One pigeon made it back with a message attached, saying thanks for the other two pigeons they were very tasty, please send more!
     
  5. BulgarianSoldier

    BulgarianSoldier Senior Member

    Pigeons also played a part in deception operations, particularly Operation Periwig - the joint SIS/SOE/PWE plan to fake anti-Nazi resistance in Germany. "Stale" birds were dropped in Germany with fake messages attached to their legs.

    Others were dropped with a questionnaire asking for friendly Germans to supply intelligence to Allies. One pigeon made it back with a message attached, saying thanks for the other two pigeons they were very tasty, please send more!
    Haha classic german joke..
     
  6. Tony56

    Tony56 Member Patron

  7. Ramiles

    Ramiles Researching 9th Lancers, 24th L and SRY

    Podcast...

    Spy Pigeons

    "Spy Pigeons
    How homing pigeons were dropped behind enemy lines to acquire secrets from Nazi occupied Europe
    ."

    "WE ARE HISTORY
    by Angela Barnes and John O'Farrell
    The less-than-serious history podcast with stand up comedian Angela Barnes (The News Quiz, Mock The Week and Live at The Apollo) and writer John O'Farrell (An Utterly Impartial History of Britain, Things Can Only Get Better, Spitting Image). In each podcast our two history nerds discuss, explain and laugh at interesting and quirky episodes from the olden days, such as East German Nudism, Spy Pigeons or Vlad the Impaler. Angela and John’s in-depth knowledge of world history has been described as ‘laughable’ - and now they read the history books so that you don't have to. The We Are History podcast - not as world-changing as the Black Death, but slightly funnier."
     

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