Mary of Exeter

Mary of Exeter was a carrier pigeon who flew many military missions with the National Pigeon Service during World War II, transporting important messages across the English Channel back to her loft in Exeter, England.

She was awarded the Dickin Medal in November 1945 for showing endurance on war service despite being injured on three occasions and emerging uninjured when her loft was bombed.

[3][6] Mary completed many missions, including three in which she was wounded by enemy attacks, requiring a total of 22 stitches.

[1] On one occasion she was attacked by German-kept hawks stationed in Pas-de-Calais returning home with her neck and right breast ripped savagely open.

[8] A blue plaque was unveiled at 6 West Street, Exeter, EX1 1BA, the site of Charlie Brewer's home and shoemaker's shop for 63 years.

Mary's grave at the Ilford Animal Cemetery
A Blue Plaque from Exeter Civic Society to commemorate the partnership of a heroic animal and its owner Cecil 'Charlie' Brewer. It is the first such plaque and marks a unique site and chapter in Exeter's Second World War history