Posted on 11/26/2004 5:06:40 AM PST by presidio9
One of the more unusual medals awarded during World War II -- given to a carrier pigeon parachuted into occupied France alongside British agents -- is to be sold, auctioneers said.
Commando the pigeon was awarded the Dickin Medal, of which only 60 have ever been handed out, after braving German bullets to bring back secret information strapped to his leg on three separate missions.
Commando's Dickin Medal, handed to the red chequer cock bird in 1945 in recognition of his wartime service, is expected to fetch up to 10,000 pounds (14,000 euros, 19,000 dollars) next week, London-based auctioneers Spink said.
The pigeon was made available to the military by his owner, Sid Moon, who had served with the Army Pigeon Service during World War I, at the outbreak of the next war in 1939.
Commando travelled to France with forces from the secretive Special Operations Executive from 1942, and brought back intelligence about the whereabouts of German troops, industrial sites and injured British soldiers.
Despite a mere one-in-eight chance of survival thanks to a combination of German marksmen's bullets and exhaustion, Commando survived his three missions.
The Dickin Medal was named after Maria Dickin, who founded the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals.
The last one to be auctioned was won by Simon, a cat who saw action in 1949 on British ship HMS Amethyst when it was stopped and bombarded by Chinese communist troops.
The only Dickin Medal awarded to a cat, it sold for 23,000 pounds (33,000 euros, 43,000 dollars).
If this had happened today one would hope the pigeon would have the good sense to aim a few well placed bird-splats at the Elysee Palace just as Chirac was leaving.
Why didn't it just fly in by itself, after all, thats what pigeons do. This story is for the birds..........
LOL!!
given to a carrier pigeon parachuted into occupied France alongside British agents
Why didn't it just fly in by itself, after all, thats what pigeons do. This story is for the birds..........
_________
God Bless the animals that help preserve freedom and protect our soldiers and civilians from harms way.
A pigeon helping to liberate chickens and frogs. What a touching animal story.
can a pigeon be brave?
Just going to France was bad enough. Aren't pigeons considered a good meal?
Haha! Turkey sandwich up the nose.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.