Pigeons, often dismissed as pests, have a rich history as working-class heroes, argues Toussaint Douglass. These birds, which he describes as 'knackered' and relatable, have been unfairly maligned despite their contributions to human civilisation.
Domesticated as early as 4,500BC for food, pigeons later became essential messengers for ancient empires including Rome, Greece, and the Ottomans. Their homing abilities allowed them to travel up to 1,000km, making them the first reliable postal service.
During the Second World War, the UK's National Pigeon Service deployed over 200,000 pigeons. One notable hero, Mary of Exeter, survived a falcon attack and shrapnel wounds, continuing her missions without complaint. Douglass highlights that pigeons served on merit, unlike modern diversity initiatives.
Today, pigeons face hostility with spikes, netting, and 'do not feed' signs. Douglass urges people to see them as fellow commuters in life, deserving of respect. He concludes by inviting sceptics to join him on a hill with '20 hard-as-nut Lewisham pigeons'.
