In 2012, British newspapers reported the story about a man who made an extraordinary discovery while renovating his house in Surrey, England. In its chimney, he found the remains of a homing pigeon. Attached to its leg was a small canister that contained a coded message that had been written during World War II—one that has yet to be deciphered by cryptologists around the world, including Britain’s Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) and curators at Bletchley Park. This historical mystery became the inspiration for my novel, The Long Flight Home, and sparked my research into the use of pigeons during this time.
Pigeon fanciers and their homing pigeons played an important role in World War II. The National Pigeon Service, a volunteer civilian organization in Britain, delivered more than 200,000 war pigeons to British services between 1939 and 1945. Source Columba was the actual code name for airdropping 16,000 homing pigeons in German-occupied France and the Netherlands as a method for locals to provide intelligence to Britain. The pigeons were placed in cages with an attached parachute, and they were flown by the Royal Air Force (RAF) deep into enemy territory. Inside each cage was paper, a pencil, and instructions written in French. It was Britain’s hope that some of these pigeons would land in the hands of French Resistance, who would write intelligence on paper and place it into a capsule attached to the pigeon’s leg. Once released, the pigeon would fly home to its loft, hundreds of miles away.
There are several theories for the remarkable navigational abilities of homing pigeons, including one belief that they can detect the Earth’s magnetic field lines to find their way home. Pigeons live in groups, and both parents raise their nestlings. A less scientific theory is that homing pigeons are devoted to family, and they will go to great lengths to find their way home.
During World War II, RAF planes carried pigeons in special watertight baskets, and, in cases of distress, the aircraft’s coordinates were sent back with the pigeon to its RAF base to prompt a search and rescue mission. Thousands of servicemen’s lives were saved as a result, and the heroism of these birds did not go unnoticed. The Dickin Medal, instituted in the United Kingdom to recognize the gallantry of animals in World War II, was awarded fifty-four times—thirty-two of the recipients were pigeons.
I often wonder what is written on the indecipherable message, carried by the war pigeon that was found in the Surrey chimney. Maybe it contains information about a plan for invasion. Perhaps it is a last-ditch communication from a lone British soldier, trapped behind enemy lines.
Thank you very much for your attention. the pigeons are beautiful and eat well. Im recommending your pigeons to my friends. I hope to buy more pigeons from you in the future. Thank you.
Arrived early and in perfect condition. I have 8 favorites.
The Alexander Hansenne is indeed a remarkable Racing Pigeon Strain. Dr Willaim Anderson in his book "The Sport of Racing Pigeons" 1947 writes extensively about this outstanding Fancier. I luck to have an original copy of the book. Need i say i myself have of the Bronze chequers in my stock loft Well wishes to you
Hello Dale, Donnie & Pam
Firstly, I would like to thank Dale for his persistence yesterday. Both
Linda and I were so sorry that your crossing was so difficult.
Originally, you texted me that you would wait for us---so of course we
would wait for you!!
We had a very pleasant return home with clear roads etc. But were
extremely tired and went to bed early!! I am extremely happy with the
selection of birds you sent even the replacement for 20512.
It was a pleasure dealing with the Zehr family. I spent time with the
birds in the garage last night and today speaking "Zehr Sion" to them.
Think they understood---at least until they learn "Trini Sion". Lol!!!
Thank you all once again.
Wishing you all and your families a very Happy Holiday Season!!!
Dave and Linda
The 3 birds arrived this morning in Aurora, Colorado safe and sound. Thanks. We'll do business again!!
Hello. We received the two boxes today with the four Hansenne pigeons. Arrived in excellent condition.
She is SOOOOO BEAUTIFUL! Thank you guys for looking out for me. Can’t say enough about how much I love the bird and birds you have sent me.
Thank you so much, i got the bird! He's so beautiful, pin tail apple body, nice wing :)
Hello there, My name is Mike and live in Az, I had racing pigeons when I was young and now Im not young haha 61, Semi retired and determined to move to a place where I can fly birds again, want to get my grandkids involved. Anyway as a kid I flew some Sions and really enjoyed your website. When Im ready would love to get a few Sions again and see how they do. Any advice for an old newbie? lol
Hey Donnie, Saw your Birds on Ipigeon and must say, those are some Beautiful Heitzmans. They are very true to what I called the real thing. Beautiful Hansennes as well. Take Care, Chuck
Hi
I have placed the pigeon recieved from you recently in a priority express shipment back to you in same box recieved. Bird was beautiful and healthy but we realized it’s nature is such that it needs to fly and be a racing pigeon. We can’t offer that life to it and realize it was a mistake to try this based on our situation
Bird has had not been outside and has been confined indoors in isolation since recieved.
Please give it the home it deserves.
Appreciate the care you took getting it to us!!!
Need some color on my team. Had some sion couple years ago when i had a partner who sick and could not care for his own birds. He liked sions so i bought some from you on pigeonauction.com. We alot of fun his sions against my team .He has since past on. His family called me and thanked me for letting fly with me he really looked forward race day. HE WON EVERY WEEK
Path: https://www.clayhavenfarms.com/pigeons/for-sale
