Winkie

[Part 1]

So, World War I is won

The NPS days are done

The MOD say that radio is the way

Pigeons have had their day

But Major Osman believes

Radio is still in its infancy

He can still see the need

To get the NPS back on its feet

[Part 2: Sortie]

February 23rd 1942

A Beaufort bomber returning home

With a four man crew

Major Osman believes radio

Is still in its infancy

So Bomber Command issue

This rule which states that

'Two pigeons accompany each crew'

If the radio can't be used

Because pen pushers need their proof

[Part 3: The North Sea]

With one engine down

They had to ditch into the sea

The radio operator had time

To send an SOS

But radio contact went down

Upon the impact

The SOS it is received

But there is nothing more

No coordinates, no way to know

If the crew are still alive

In pitching waves, fuel and oil

A pigeon is released

NEU40 NSL

'Winkie', starts her flight

She takes to the sky

[Part 4: Winkie's Flight]

Air Sea Rescue search

But it's a hopeless task

With no coordinates

The search area is just too vast

In a life raft they must wait and pray

The crew have one hope to survive

Fly safely home, Winkie

God's speed be with you

God's speed be with you, Winkie

[Part 5: RAF Leuchars]

At dawn the very next morn

Sgt. Davidson sees that

Winkie has flown home

He phones the information through

Gets the message to Air Sea Rescue HQ

The time she'd taken to fly back

Calculating wind speed

And the condition of the bird

Considering her fatigue

They could narrow down the search

[Part 6: Winged Saviour]

Air Sea Rescue heed the call -

'New information ... try once more'

Where once before they'd

Searched in vain

They must venture out again

Now there is hope where

Chance was slim

But thank God, fifteen minutes in

The crew are found, safe and sound

Thanks to their winged saviour

[Part 7: 'We Also Serve']

You flew safely home Winkie

Hey, the inaugural recipient

You flew straight, flew true

Winkie