Australian carrier pigeon: Blue Chequer Hen, No. 624:D/D:42:V Accession Number: RELAWM30787

Description

Mounted skin of a blue chequer hen carrier pigeon. The bird bears an aluminium leg ring stamped '624 D[broad arrow symbol]D 42 V'.

Contextual Description

This bird was bred in 1942 by a civilian pigeon fancier in Victoria, who later donated her to the army. At the time of the flight related to this message, dating from 1944, the bird was based at No 1 1 Australian Pigeon Section at Lae, New Guinea, but attached to the US Marine Division, Arawe Islands, New Britain.

The copy of the message she carried reads: 'To: CO 2nd Battalion, 158 Infantry. DIDMOP End has been strongly reinforced. 100 or more new positions constructed by Natives and Japs last two days. Am now opposite reinforced positions. Trail block 3 Miles East of Acric with several Heavy and Light MG knee Mortars and Riflemen. Estimate at least 50 Japs. Site is hill with Native village and natural cavern. Have already tested Jap positions and sure cannot assault without heavy casualties. Cannot go around except through mangrove swamps. At any rate will not be able to reach objective tomorrow. Native guides and carriers withdrawn at 1400 today are carrying our rations and supplies. Some men now suffering from fever or chills due to heavy rains. Their evacuation will be a problem, except to fight way out to rear. All communications wet, except Pigeons, torrential rains have made all ground ankle to knee deep and many weapons won't fire. Request cub to try contact with our SCR 300 Radio or jazz motor 3 times if to go forward, twice if to withdraw and repeat signal. CO CO G 148 Inf. Quille A. Colman, Capt. 1830. 300 [wireless] set now dead.'

A as a result of the successful delivery of the message Captain Coleman's patrol were advised to withdraw by signal from Piper Cub [light aircraft] and a strong patrol, which was sent out to assist in withdrawal and evacuation of sick as a result of this message, just arrived in time.