Gregory and Cecil (no we’ve no idea which is which) enjoy their new surroundings on Diamonds quarterdeck

SHE can track a cricket ball travelling at Mach 3. But what about a pair of racing pigeons at 50mph?

Well, the answer from HMS Diamond is ‘yes’ as the hi-tech destroyer turned makeshift aviary for ten days off the South Coast when two birds dropped in.

The two evidently-exhausted pigeons – nicknamed Gregory (as in Peck) and Cecil (as in the late horse racing trainer Sir Henry) – landed on board the Portsmouth-based destroyer while she was training off Plymouth… and refused to fly off again.

The sailors quickly took to the pair, building them a perch, a box and providing bedding and providing them with food deemed to be suitable by LS Leigh Branson – who just happens to be a racing pigeon enthusiast.

Pigeon fancier LS Leigh Branson feeds one of the pair

The birds were given sanctuary for ten days in a makeshift aviary on the quarterdeck and, as it has CCTV, the sailors were treated to their own Springwatch-style birdcam which could be monitored from the bridge, giving them a boost of morale.

Diamond’s navigator Lt Eleanor Tilley launched the initial rescue of Gregory after he refused to leave the ship as the ship was about to start gunnery and helicopter serials (neither are which is good for pigeons…).

Knowing he was probably part of someone’s prized collection, she sought the permission of CO Cdr Andy Ingham before capturing him. Cecil arrived on the flight deck two days.

“A ship at sea obviously attracts the occasional bird, but these are usually transient and depart after a short period,” said Eleanor. “Gregory and Cecil were clearly struggling with the journey they had been on and needed help.

Evidently there was a bit of lovers’ tiff…

“Having seen them onboard for a few days, and knowing that the ship was to be at sea for some time, the bridge team felt obliged to give them a little support to aide them on their way.”

Cecil and Gregory were then fitted with their very own HMS Diamond tag or ring once the ship arrived back in Portsmouth and – with a little encouragement – they flew their steely grey nest and hopefully back to their owner.

“They have been fairly unusual additions to the ship’s company on board,” said Cdr Ingham. “However, both of them have been popular with the team and a healthy distraction for some during our recent time at sea. I suspect they were quite sorry to say goodbye to our transient passengers.”