A piece of art that commemorates how wildlife played a part during the first and second World Wars has been unveiled.

On Friday morning, John Stevenson, MP for Carlisle unveiled a plaque commemorating the contribution and loss of life of millions of animals, and in particular homing carrier in honour of the important part they had played in during the two World Wars.

The plaque was organised and presented by Carlisle resident Stephen Glencross with the support of the Royal Pigeon Racing Association and the Animals in War Group, Carlisle. Mr Glencross joined Mr Stevenson for the unveiling at the Solway Aviation Museum.

The plaque pays significant homage to the homing carrier pigeons who played an integral part in both Wars. During World War II, private breeders supplied about 200,000 pigeons to the National Pigeon Service and 50,000 were bred by the United States Army.

Speaking at the unveiling, Mr Stevenson said: “It has been a real honour to unveil this commemorative plaque today to recognise the key role animals played during various wars and the ultimate sacrifice made. A special thank you to Stephen for making this happen and for asking me to attend today.”

Animals in War were delighted to announce that another plaque was installed at the Union Jack Club in Workington earlier this month.

Mr Glencross has spent years campaigning for installations of artwork commemorating animals of war, and even received a royal seal of approval for one proposal back in 2013 when he was promised a pigeon to auction from the royal Pigeon Loft in Sandringham as he made plans to install a monument in the Bitts Park area of Carlisle for dogs, horses and pigeons killed in service. The Princess Royal also unveiled an ‘Animals of War’ memorial in Park Lane, London in 2004.