Australian carrier pigeon: Blue Chequer hen 3863:D/D:44

Places	Oceania: Pacific Islands, Solomon Islands, Bougainville Oceania: Pacific Islands, Solomon Islands, Bougainville, Central Bougainville, Torokina Oceania: Pacific Islands, Solomon Islands, Bougainville, South Bougainville, Puriata River Area, Toko
Accession Number	RELAWM30790
Collection type	Heraldry
Object type	Heraldry
Place made	New Guinea1, Pacific Islands: Solomon Islands, Bougainville
Conflict	Second World War, 1939-1945

Description

Mounted skin of a blue chequer hen carrier pigeon. THe bird carries an aluminium leg ring stamped '3863 D[broad arrow symbol]D 44'.

History / Summary

This bird was bred by 7 Pigeon Section (Type A) Headquarters 2 Australia Corps, at Torokina, Bougainville. It undertook a total of 25 operational flights covering a distance of 210 miles.

At the time of the flight that carried this message the bird was based at 7 Pigeon Section (Type A) attached to Signals 3 Division, at Toko, Bougainville.

Copy of Message: 'From "D" Company 47 Battalion. To HQ 47 Battalion. Date 3 July 45. Still being attacked. Ammunition running low. Situation grim - request Artillery fire on 136430'.

Distance message carried and time: 22 miles in a heavy tropical rain storm with bad visibility in 3 hours 28 minutes. This bird was also shot at by 60-70 Japanese.

Result of message: Artillery fire was supplied and ammunition sent with reinforcements party.