Two bird pigeon trench basket : Tank Corps, British Army

Two bird wickerwork pigeon trench basket with a carry handle and a leather strap on the top. Each end swings open and is held in place by a wooden peg attached to the basket with string. Each side of the basket has a meshed panel to allow the birds air. A galvanised steel feeding/water trough is attached to one long side with two hooks. The inside of the basket is lined with calico, and is divided diagonally with a piece of heavy card, allowing a separate compartment for each bird.

During the First World War each British tank went into action carrying a pair of carrier pigeons. The birds were used when long distance communication was required. Other nearer communications were effected by the use of signal flags or voice.