Dundee has plenty of legends… but not many of them have feathers, a medal, and a 100+ mile flight through North Sea weather on their CV.
Today marks the 84th anniversary of the day Winkie the pigeon was loaded onto an RAF Beaufort aircraft alongside fellow pigeon Stinkie and No. 42 Squadron. During World War II, it was standard practice for RAF planes to carry pigeons a last-ditch lifeline if radio contact failed.
And on that day, everything went sideways.
The day the North Sea nearly won
The aircraft’s engine failed and it ditched in the North Sea. With the crew stranded and time running out, Winkie was released.
She flew all the way back home to Long Lane, Broughty Ferry, where she raised the alarm with her owner that something had gone wrong. That message carried the old-school way helped lead to the rescue of the aircrew:
Squadron Leader Cliff, Officer Tessier, Sergeant Venn and Flying Officer McDonald were all saved.
Winkie’s flight was so extraordinary she became one of the first pigeons awarded the Dickin Medal often described as the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.
Sadly, Stinkie was never seen again. 🕊️
Where to see Winkie in Dundee
You can see this feathered heroine (and her medal) on display at The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery & Museum, in the Making of Modern Dundee gallery.
If you’re the sort who loves a story with real Dundee grit, it’s well worth popping in.
And if you fancy “tasting history”… there’s a beer for that
Because Dundee would never let a good story go uncelebrated, 71 Brewing honoured Winkie last year with a special beer:
Winkie’s Flight: a Cascadian Dark Ale — roasted malt depth, sharp bitter citrus finish, and a proper resinous edge.
The pitch is simple and perfect: Bold beer, braver bird.
And aye… you could argue you’re tasting a wee bit of history. 😄
🍺🕊️ Winkie’s Flight beer link: https://71brewing.com/products/winkies-flight
- Contains: cereals containing gluten
- Vegan friendly
