February

Fly B Night
A.B.V. 4.5%

Early February 1942 saw an R.A.F bomber crew ditching in the freezing North Sea off Norway. Stranded in their dinghy they released a homing pigeon called Winkie, which then flew 129 miles on oil clogged wings to George Ross's loft at Broughty Ferry near Dundee.

George contacted the R.A.F. immediately. Technicians then computed the flying times and wind speeds and were able to pinpoint the crew's position and so effect a successful rescue.

Winkie was awarded the Dicken Medal for animal bravery and she was the 1st of 32 pigeons to be similarly honoured during World War II.

Talk about giving you wings.

Hops used are Pilot and Progress.