3 Nigel Recovers

The following morning Nigel arose at 9 o’clock. “Did you sleep OK?” asked Tubby. ”Not too well old chap,” came the reply. ”The wind was so high and I could not get accustomed to that tree swinging from side to side all night. I felt I was going to fall out of bed.” “And you a flying ace,” replied Tubby. “Well my bed at Malvern HQ is just two foot off the ground and the loft doesn't move about.” “I didn't think about that Nigel,” replied Tubby, “we will put you in a lower nest tonight.”

Nigel spent the weekend at 'The Firs' relaxing and regaining his strength. Peter kept following him around and demanding that Nigel relate heroic tales of past military operations.

The Firs

“Was your dad an airman?” inquired Peter. “Oh yes,” said Nigel. "He served in the Falklands War. My grandfather was Spanish so dad spoke Spanish Pigeon. Dad was selected to be a spy and released in Argentina. There he had to liaise with British Embassy birds and collect intelligence. Then, it was his job to fly out to the Royal Navy ships and pass on the information about the Argentine fleet.” “But how did he speak to the humans?” inquired Peter. “A very good question young man. I learnt human English at the Military Pigeon Academy at Sandhurst, but I can't speak it of course. The only bird that can speak English and Pigeon is the Mynah bird. The armed forces did experiment with parrots at one stage but to be frank they were not bright enough. Yes you need a Mynah bird that speaks Pigeon and English. All ships with a pigeon squadron would have a Mynah bird. We have one called Petty Officer Percy back at Malvern HQ. That’s how we can communicate with old Ducky Drake.”

Petty Officer Percy

“And what about your adventures Nigel, tell me about some of your assignments,” demanded Peter. “Well young man,” replied Nigel, “most of my work in recent years has been in the Middle East. Can’t say any more that that; Official Secrets Act you know; it’s all a bit hush hush.”

On Sunday Nigel decided to take a few practice flights to check that he would be OK for the journey back to Malvern the next day. Nigel was certainly feeling his old self again and could not resist putting on a display, flying upside down, looping the loop and impressing all the birds in the locality.

Nigel puts on a Display

Monday morning came and Nigel's comrades were visible in the distance. ”Must go now,” said Nigel. “Thanks for the hospitality its been a wonderful change. Thank you Polly for the first class food I reckon I've put on fifty grams.”

“I’ll see you fly past tomorrow then Nigel,” said Peter. “How will I know if you are in the formation?”

“I’ll send a signal Peter,” he replied, “you will know its me.” And in an instant Nigel was off, ascending almost vertically, at very high speed, to meet the incoming birds. The formation was one bird short and Nigel merged seamlessly into the vacant position.

Nigel back with the SBS

To be continued.......

Photographic Acknowledgements

The above images were provided, with thanks, from the following organisations:

Petty Officer Percy - sheffieldhistory.co.uk
Nigel putting on a display - firstchristianhopkinsville.org
The Formation - nature.com