Homing pigeons not only have an incredible ability to return to their roost, but they can also reach a speed of 100 kph, allowing them to deliver messages much faster than a runner of dog. Pigeons were so important to the war effort that anyone caught harming or killing one of the birds could be fined 100 Pounds Sterling or face a six-month jail sentence.

Pigeons were often killed or wounded in mid-flight so more than one bird was usually sent off with the same message in the hopes that at least one of the birds would get through. Cher Ami, a pigeon serving with the Americans in 1918, successfully returned to her coop with her message despite being shot twice. The first bullet passed through her chest.

The second bullet nearly severed her right leg, which carried the message capsule. She was also blinded in one eye. Her message saved the lives of 194 American soldiers being bombarded by friendly artillery. Cher Ami survived her wounds. Her mounted body is now in the collection of the Smithsonian Institution.

Carrier or homing pigeons were also used in the Second World War. During the Operation Jubilee of 1942, meanwhile, a Canadian Army pigeon named Beachcomber flew from the port town of Dieppe and across the English Channel carrying news that the Canadians had landed.

Beachcomber was awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal for his role in the Dieppe Raid in 1944. The citation that accompanied his medal reads, "For bringing the first news to this country of the landing at Dieppe, under hazardous conditions in September 1942, while serving with the Canadian Army." The hazardous conditions Beachcomber faced included heavy gun fire from both the town and the nearby cliffs, along with the largest single-day aerial fighter battle of the war.