The staggering value of a war medal awarded to a pigeon for its bravery during the Second World War left the couple who brought it in lost for words
A couple on the Antiques Roadshow were left lost for words after a family war medal, awarded to a heroic pet pigeon called Mary, was appraised on the show.
He delved into the history of the prestigious Dickin medal, awarded by the People's Dispensary For Sick Animals , and inquired about the brave pigeon recipient, Mary. Sharing the medal's backstory, the ex-owner's granddaughter explained: "Well originally she was a racing pigeon along with the other pigeons from grandad's loft. She was put into the pigeon service, airlifted and dropped behind enemy lines in France.
She miraculously recovered from severe injuries in her very first mission in 1942 when the Germans released hawks to kill the birds. "Another time she returned having been shot under her wing. More stitches, and off she went again," the guests added. "The Dickin Medal. It's essentially the Victoria Cross for animals", Smith remarked. "It's the highest honour an animal can receive for bravery. It reads 'For gallantry, we also serve.' Magnificent. This is one brave pigeon, isn't it?". The guest responded: "Oh yeah bless her, she certainly was."
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