Retired nurse Cynthia O'Neill, 70, from Burgess Hill, has visited Worthing's Beach House Park around Remembrance Sunday for the past two years to pay tribute at the pigeon memorial.

The landscaped memorial was built in 1949 and honours pigeons who died in the Second World War.

Mrs O'Neill left a written tribute to the birds this year, adorned with poppies and waterproofed in cling-film, which read: "Pigeons forced to man's wars, thank you."

But Mrs O'Neill said she was disappointed hers was the only such tribute on display and has urged people to remember the important role played by pigeons in the wars.

"I feel we owe a great debt of gratitude to those animals," said Mrs O'Neill.

"The pigeons should have someone to remember them.

"The first messages of the D-Day landings came from pigeons.

"They did some very vital work for us."

Mrs O'Neill praised Worthing Council for maintaining the memorial, which she described as "very moving", but said she was disappointed no local animal charities had paid tribute to the birds.

She has also urged people to join her at the memorial on November 15 next year for a service of thanks for the birds, which she hopes will be attended by the "animal padre", the Reverend James Thompson, a committed activist for animal rights.

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