Spies in the sky by Beverley McWilliams

SA author Beverley McWilliams has once again written an entertaining and engaging middle grade novel. Her first novel, The Reindeer and the Submarine (2022) was a wonderful read cleverly combining historical fact and fiction with a reindeer as the main character. Her second novel Spies in the Sky, is a fascinating story that highlights the role pigeons played during World War Two.

The story begins in 1940 at the Sandringham Estate, Norfolk where Royal Blue, a highly competitive racing pigeon, is determined to beat his best friend Khan. Blue comes from a long line of royal champions and he is not about to let that be forgotten. He is a rather appealing but at times superior character and as the story is told in the first person, the reader quickly learns about Royal Blue’s personality. Blue is chosen by King George to be sent on a special assignment as part of the war effort and the comfortable safe life he was accustomed to is no longer.

The National Pigeon Service (NPS) has been formed for the purpose of using pigeons to carry messages when there are no other means of communication. The pigeons need to be fast and strong and will be exposed to difficult situations. At first Royal Blue struggles with his new living conditions, his fellow pigeons and thinks about giving up, but a chance meeting with Lilibet (Princess Elizabeth) has him rethinking his role in the war effort.

Royal Blue, Mary, Billy and Commando, after initial difficulties, become a great team and are chosen to work for MI5 as part of Operation Columba (MI14). They are parachuted individually into France to support the French people and the Resistance.  During their war service the four witness bombing raids, battles in the skies and being shot at yet all survive to be awarded the Dickin Medal for bravery and devotion to duty.

This action-packed and exciting story would make a wonderful class novel as it is a ‘gentle’ introduction to historical facts and figures plus the dangers and horrors of war without being overly confronting for the age level of the readers.  As an added bonus there are extensive teacher notes and an activity book to support the learning.

Themes: World War Two, Pigeons, National Pigeon Service, Danger, Bravery, Friendship, Cooperation, Hope, Historical Fiction.

Kathryn Beilby