The original memorial plaque (left) on the 80th anniversary of D-Day last month, and two days later (right) torn off the wall and destroyed.
Just four weeks after a memorial plaque remembering a local war hero was deliberately destroyed, the community of Carnlough have united to fund and replace the tribute to Paddy the Pigeon who played a crucial role during D-Day in 1944.
Born and trained in Carnlough, County Antrim, Paddy the Pigeon was a hero of World War II who played a crucial role in the Allied forces' success during the Normandy landings.
Paddy was owned and bred by Captain Andrew Hughes who had seen service during the Great War, and was jointly trained by John McMullan of Carnlough.
He was one of the many pigeons used by the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the war. These pigeons were trained to carry secret coded messages between the Allies, providing vital communication links.
On June 12, 1944, Paddy was released in Normandy, carrying coded information about the Allied advance. Despite the challenges posed by bad weather and German falcons trained to intercept messenger pigeons, Paddy made it back to his base in Hampshire, England, in a record time of four hours and fifty minutes. This was the fastest recorded time for any pigeon during the Normandy landings.
September 1, 1944. Paddy the Pigeon receives his Dickin Medal. Credit: British Pathé/YouTube
Paddy the pigeon's trainer, John McMullan, at his home in Carnlough, Co Antrim in 2009 aged 88. (Photo: Paul Faith)
For his service, Paddy was awarded the Dickin Medal on September 1, 1944. This medal is the highest honor an animal can receive in the UK, equivalent to the Victoria Cross for humans. Paddy is the only Irish recipient of this prestigious award.
After the war, Paddy returned to his home in Carnlough, where he lived until his death in 1954, at the ripe old age of 11.
The original plaque was installed in the coastal village to remember the endeavours of the feathered-friend and to commemorate his bravery and service, and was the scene of a commemoration event on June 6 when local residents marked the 80th Anniversary of D-Day.
Two days later the community was angered and disgusted after the plaque was torn off the wall and smashed into pieces.
Now, a GoFundMe campaign has been initiated by village resident Mary Watson. The local woman is hoping to raise enough money to see a new memorial that will continue testifying of an important part of the history of Carnlough and keep the story of Paddy the Pigeon alive for future generations.
At time of publishing the fundraiser has attracted significant support with £1,450 raised.
Writing on the GoFundMe page, Mary shared:
“We are aware that many feel the importance of the story of Paddy which is one that we can pass on to our children and grandchildren. This is why we wish to erect a new memorial plaque for Paddy and hope to be able to carry this out through the GoFundMe page.
“Thank you for supporting Paddy the Pigeon and retaining a treasured story of this courageous bird, his owner, and his trainer.”
If you would like to support the campaign you can make a donation on the GoFundMe page by tapping or clicking here.