WWII Pigeon Cipher

carrier-pigeon-message.jpg

Dublin Core

Title

WWII Pigeon Cipher

Subject

WWII Pigeon Cipher

Description

The WWII Pigeon Cipher describes a coded message found on the remains of a carrier pigeon discovered in 1982. This message was sent to the curator of the Pigeons at War exhibit at Bletchly Park, however he found it impossible to crack.

In 2012, Canadian researchers at Lakefield Heritage Research believe they have cracked most of the code using a WWI artillery code book. They believe it was from a British paratrooper, Sergeant William Stott, who parachuted into Normandy on a reconnaissance mission and reads:

"Artillery observer at 'K' Sector, Normandy. Requested headquarters supplement report. Panzer attack - blitz. West Artillery Observer Tracking Attack.

"Lt Knows extra guns are here. Know where local dispatch station is. Determined where Jerry's headquarters front posts. Right battery headquarters right here.

Found headquarters infantry right here. Final note, confirming, found Jerry's whereabouts. Go over field notes. Counter measures against Panzers not working.

Jerry's right battery central headquarters here. Artillery observer at 'K' sector Normandy. Mortar, infantry attack panzers.

Hit Jerry's Right or Reserve Battery Here. Already know electrical engineers headquarters. Troops, panzers, batteries, engineers, here. Final note known to headquarters."

Creator

William Stott

Source

http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/22223

Publisher

Business Insider

Date

WWI

Contributor

Lakefield Heritage Research

Format

.JPEG

Language

English

Type

Paper note

Still Image Item Type Metadata

Original Format

Paper note

Citation

William Stott, “WWII Pigeon Cipher,” Ciphers and Encryption, accessed March 18, 2024, https://crypto.omeka.net/items/show/21.