War hero pigeon

A Royal Air Force pigeon who delivered the first news of Allied success from the Normandy beaches on D-Day is to be recognised as the greatest pigeon to have served this country.

Gustav, a grizzle cock pigeon, know to the Air Ministry as codename NPS.42.31066, will be honoured in a special London exhibition at the Imperial War Museum’s 60th anniversary show.

Gustav’s mission was not without its challenges, he was reportedly flying into a headwind of up to 30 miles per hour and his view of the sun, which is the primary means of navigation, was obscured by cloud.

Like any hero, he delivered his message over 150 miles in 5 hours and 16 minutes from Normandy to Thorney Island, near Portsmouth on the south coast of England.

The message read: “we are just 20 miles or so off the beaches. First assault troops landed 0750. Signal says no interference from enemy gunfire on beach…steaming steadily in formation. Lightnings, Typhoons, Fortresses crossing since 0545. No enemy aircraft seen”

In recognition to his outstanding contribution he was given the Dickin Medal, the animal equivalent of Britain’s highest military honout, the Victoria Cross.

Unfortunately , peace seemed to be a little more perilous for Gustav. He was trodden on by his breeder as he cleaned out his loft.

Origin: Killgerm