Blue Plaque at The New Penny pub/bar on Call Lane.

Old, disused, forgotten and converted pubs
volvojack
Posts: 1471
Joined: Tue 26 Jan, 2016 11:57 am

Re: Blue Plaque at The New Penny pub/bar on Call Lane.

Post by volvojack »

A Carrier Pigeon that delivered secret/ coded messages during the Second World War "Mary" has become the First Animal to be honoured with a Blue Plaque. This was unveiled over the Weekend at Exeter's West Street where her Owner and Breeder Charlie Brewer had his Pigeon Loft He had been made a Special Constable in 1941 with responsibility for General control of War Pigeons.
Her missions were to Cross the Channel , despite being attacked by German war hawks and was hit once by shrapnel. Mr Brewer used his skills as a Bootmaker to stitch up her wounds and made her a small leather neck support to ease her injuries.
After the War she was awarded the Dickin Medal for Distinguished Gallantry, the highest animal award for Bravery. She died in 1950 and was buried in the P.D.S.A. Cemetery
Mr. Brewer died in 1985 aged 90 having raised money for Charity giving talks on his beloved bird.

Post Reply