I am reading copies of AIR2/4129 from TNA. This came up in a search for SAS pigeons. This series of documents contain requistion forms for pigeons required by Lt. Druce. On most forms there is no location for him. On one the location is Whitehall. In correspondence he is referred to as Capt. Druce. A secret note dated 28 Feb 1944 states that Capt. Druce needs 2 birds for a special task. This is signed by Sqd. Ldr. W.D.L. Rayner who in correspondence is from Sigs 1 (d) Air Ministry. Another example regarding Druce are a couple of documents, (#164 and #163) which explain that on 13 Jan 1944 Blue Cheq Hen 42 NPS.29249 returned with a message. The message begins with “Good landing” and then continues in another language. The recipient of the pigeon (not clear who this is, but maybe Sid Moon who supplied many birds for Special Service,) is instructed not to repeat message over phone. It must be delivered under secret cover to Capt. Druce. As far as I have read the pigeons required by Druce are coming from Sid Moon or the loft at R.A.F. Felixstowe. Other men’s names who appear on these requisition forms for pigeons are F/Lt. Phillipson, Capt. Conway, and Sqd. Ldr. Shaw. This is in 1943. Is Druce connected to SAS?
Henry Carey Druce worked for MI6 and later for 2nd SAS. Took part in Operation Loyton and Operation Keystone. Was a major in 1945. Allegedly returned to MI6 again after the war and served in Indonesia.
In 1943 lieutenant Druce was involved in parachutetraining at Ringway. He trained Dutch agents that belonged to Bureau Inlichtingen (Intelligence Bureau). These agents were dropped by parachute in Holland and had two pigeons with them. Om arrival they had to release these pigeons with a message attached. The pigeons would return to Britain and form proof of the safe arrival of the agents.
