As a contracts manager with Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions, Ken Nicholl can more usually be found helping the company to deliver an essential repair and maintenance project for client Veolia Water in around London and the South East.

But after being inspired by a documentary about the repatriation of British troops through Royal Wooton Bassett, Ken felt compelled to create something to mark the sacrifices of the armed forces and the support and respect shown by the residents of the town.

Uncovering a previously untapped talent for song writing, Ken, who himself served in the army for 16 years and whose son James is currently on his third tour of Afghanistan with 3 Commando, has now professionally produced a track, with help from musician Charlie Williams. The song, called Wingman Down is available to download now from digital music stores. A video featuring the song is also available on YouTube.

Ken said:

“My son and my friends are really surprised that I’ve written this because I’m not your regular ‘sensitive guy’ at all, but I wanted to reach out and say thank you to those people. There are occasions where you really realise that a song, a verse, has the greatest reach and the potential to offer comfort, and I hope that this is what we have created here.”

Proceeds from the sale of the song will go towards publishing a book of poetry written by troops on the front line and distributed to soldiers around the world.

“I’m thrilled with what we’ve produced and now what we really want to do is get it out there so that serving troops can benefit. I really hope Wingman Down expresses hope for the future, especially for the families of those who have died,” Ken said.