Mary of Exeter was a carrier pigeon who served with the National Pigeon Service during World War II. She was awarded the Dickin Medal in November 1945 for showing endurance on war service despite being injured on three occations and emerging uninjured when her loft was bombed.
Mary of Exeter was owned by Charlie Brewer, a cobbler from Exeter.[1] She served with the National Pigeon Service[2] between 1940 and 1945[3] carrying top secret messages.[4] Mary made four trips from France to England.[5]
She died in 1950[1] and is buried in Ilford Animal Cemetery.[3][6]
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Mary was wounded in three enemy attacks, requiring a total of 22 stitches. In addition, she survived bomber attacks her Exeter pigeon loft. [1]
On one occasion she was attacked by German-kept hawks stationed in Pas-de-Calais returning home with wounds to her neck and right breast.
Her next trip took place two months later.[7] This time she returned with part of one wing shot off. Three pellets were removed from her body.[1]
During her final trip her neck muscles were damaged by shrapnel. To enable her to hold her head up, her owner made her a leather collar.[5]
In 1942, Mary's pigeon loft was bombed during Luftwaffe raids on Exeter, killing many of the pigeons housed there. Mary, however, survived.[8]
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