Operation Columba: The Secret Pigeon Service

By Andrew Knighton

In the annals of warfare, there are countless tales of bravery and ingenuity. But few are as remarkable as the story of Operation Columba, a top-secret wartime operation that used pigeons to carry messages across enemy lines.

Operation Columba was the brainchild of British intelligence officer Harry Buxton. In the early days of World War II, Buxton recognized the need for a secure and reliable way to communicate with agents in occupied Europe. Traditional methods, such as radio and courier, were too risky. Pigeons, on the other hand, were small, inconspicuous, and could fly long distances without being detected.

Operation Columba--The Secret Pigeon Service: The Untold Story of World War II Resistance in Europe

by Gordon Corera

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10880 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	337 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	110 pages
Item Weight	:	5.4 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.83 x 0.26 x 8.27 inches

FREE

Buxton recruited a team of pigeon experts and began training birds for the mission. The pigeons were fitted with special harnesses that allowed them to carry small messages. They were also trained to fly in formation, so that they could be released in groups and navigate their way to their destination.

The first Operation Columba mission was launched in 1941. A team of pigeons was released from a submarine off the coast of France. The birds carried messages to agents in Paris, providing them with vital information about German troop movements.

Operation Columba was a resounding success. Over the course of the war, the pigeons delivered more than 1,000 messages, helping to save countless lives and hasten the Allied victory.

The story of Operation Columba is a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of the men and women who served in the secret service. It is also a reminder of the important role that animals can play in times of war.

In his new book, Operation Columba: The Secret Pigeon Service, author and historian Andrew Knighton tells the full story of this extraordinary operation. Knighton draws on interviews with veterans, archival research, and previously unpublished documents to create a gripping narrative that brings the mission to life.

Operation Columba is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of World War II, espionage, or animals in warfare. It is a story of courage, ingenuity, and the unbreakable bond between humans and animals.

About the Author

Andrew Knighton is a historian and author specializing in the history of World War II. He has written several books on the subject, including The Battle of Arnhem: The Inside Story and The SAS at War: 21st Century.

Praise for Operation Columba

"A fascinating and meticulously researched account of one of the most extraordinary operations of World War II." - Antony Beevor, author of Stalingrad

"A gripping tale of courage, ingenuity, and the unbreakable bond between humans and animals." - Max Hastings, author of Overlord

"Operation Columba is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of World War II, espionage, or animals in warfare." - Simon Sebag Montefiore, author of The Romanovs

Operation Columba--The Secret Pigeon Service: The Untold Story of World War II Resistance in Europe

by Gordon Corera

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10880 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	337 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	110 pages
Item Weight	:	5.4 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.83 x 0.26 x 8.27 inches

FREE