Portland, Oregon Mar 30, 2026 (Issuewire.com) - Acclaimed intelligence historian Bernard O’Connor brings to light one of the most overlooked yet remarkable intelligence operations of the Second World War in his latest book, Bletchley Park and the Pigeon Spies. This meticulously researched work reveals the extraordinary role of carrier pigeons in gathering critical intelligence across Nazi-occupied Europe.
About the Book
During World War II, more than 15,000 pigeons were parachuted in specially designed boxes into occupied territories including France, Belgium, Holland, and Denmark. These birds were not merely messengers; they were lifelines of intelligence. Some carried vital communications from undercover agents, while others were released complete questionnaires from civilians encouraged to report on enemy movements, military installations, and strategic targets.
Bletchley Park and the Pigeon Spies explores the secret operations of MI14, also known as the Colomba Service, and uncovers how intelligence gathered through these missions contributed to Allied decision-making. For the first time, the book reveals firsthand accounts of courageous civilians who risked execution for aiding the Allied cause by returning pigeons with valuable information.
The book also highlights the connection to Bletchley Park, where intercepted enemy messages were decoded, translated and disseminated to key wartime organizations, including the Special Operations Executive (SOE), Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), the Allied military, their air forces, navies, and even leaders such as Winston Churchill and Charles de Gaulle.
Containing over 1,000 decoded messages, the book offers a rare and detailed insight into the bravery of both humans and animals involved in one of the war’s most unconventional intelligence networks.
About the Author
Bernard O’Connor is a retired teacher and respected intelligence historian who has spent years researching declassified military records. Drawing from archives at the UK National Archives in Kew, London, as well as documents from the U.S. Counter Intelligence Corps, O’Connor has authored numerous works on secret agents and intelligence missions across multiple nations.
His work is particularly noted for shedding light on lesser-known operatives, including the contributions of women agents during the war.
Inspiration Behind the Book
O’Connor’s fascination with wartime intelligence began with a local mystery surrounding RAF Tempsford, a former airfield near his home. Intrigued by its secrecy and the reluctance of former personnel to discuss their work, he embarked on extensive research that uncovered the link between RAF Tempsford and Bletchley Park’s pigeon intelligence operations.
This discovery ultimately led to a deeper investigation into the Colomba Service and the crucial role pigeons played in gathering intelligence that supported major Allied operations, including preparations for D-Day.
Message to Readers
Through this book, O’Connor honors the bravery of ordinary individuals and the ingenuity of wartime intelligence efforts. His work serves as a reminder that even the smallest and most unexpected contributors can play a decisive role in shaping history.
Book Availability
Bletchley Park and the Pigeon Spies is available on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bletchley-Pigeon-Spies-Bernard-OConnor/dp/0244666407
Author Website
For more information, visit:
www.lulu.com/spotlight/coprolite
Previous Media Coverage
- Interviewed on several BBC programs
- The Spotlight Network on Bletchley Park and the Pigeon Spies by Bernard O'Connor
Media Contact
Seven Chapter Literary jack.smith@sevenchapterliterary.com +19712989500 8327 SE Schiller St https://sevenchapterliterary.com/
