Winkie, the war pigeon

When an RAF aircraft came down in battle over Norway in 1942, the situation looked bleak. But luckily for the crew, on board was their fearless feathered friend – the heroic carrier pigeon, Winkie.

The brave bird battled home through treacherous storms to raise the alarm, travelling more than 120 miles with feathers drenched in oil. Within 15 minutes of Winkie’s return, a rescue mission was launched, and the stricken crew were brought safely home.

A year later, Winkie became the first recipient of the prestigious PDSA Dickie Medal – the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross – and officers toasted her success at a celebratory dinner.