Stowaway Racing Pigeon Finds New Home On Board HMS Queen Elizabeth

The flight crew of Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth have been coping with a different set of wings - a stowaway racing pigeon.

The confused and exhausted bird, nicknamed 'Pauley', was found nesting in the hangar of the 65,000-tonne warship which is currently carrying out flight trials with F-35B Lightning jets off East Anglia.

The pigeon was discovered as the crew were stowing the jets from 617 "Dambusters" Squadron after a day of tests.

Air Engineering Technician Alexander Thomason said: “I was just putting the lashings on the jet when I looked up and saw this pigeon nestled behind the hangar gantry. 

“It appeared pretty pleased to be there if I’m honest. We’ve named her Pauley.”

After some struggle, the pigeon was caught and the crew aboard are now looking for a safe place for it to live until they return to Portsmouth at the end of June.

Lieutenant Commander Jerome Pethrick, in charge of aircraft maintenance, said: “I know the hangar team would love to let the pigeon fly around all day but sadly it’s just not safe. 

"We have to find somewhere without jet engines.”

The aircraft carrier is preparing for its first Carrier Strike Group deployment next year. 

Cover image: Pauley the racing pigeon (Picture: Royal Navy).