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DISCLAIMER:
This web site exists solely for the enjoyment and information of fans of the "Biggles" books,
and of the character Algy Lacey in particular. All illustrations shown on this site come from
books in the author's or friends' personal collections, and all those contributed by friends are
given freely and used with permission. It is not intended to infringe on any copyright or other
legality of "Biggles" or the estate of Capt. W. E. Johns. No money has been made from the site by
either the author or other contributors, nor will be in the future.
The Honourable Algernon Montgomery Lacey, or Algy as he is known to his friends, is one of the main characters featured in the "Biggles" books written by Captain W. E. Johns.
Algy is Biggles' slightly younger cousin, and we first meet him during World War I, in a short story called "The Boob". His mother has pulled strings to have him posted to Biggles' Flight in 266 Squadron, and has issued instructions to Biggles to keep him out of mischief. Biggles is at first unimpressed with the young man, who arrives with long hair and a dirty uniform, but Algy soon proves his worth. He makes his first "kill" on his very first patrol, and on his second, he returns to help Biggles in a dogfight, even although his guns are jammed and Biggles had sent him home. After that incident, Biggles accepts him warmly, and the two become inseparable friends for life.
As the books progress through time, we see Algy slowly develop from the young, dashing, devil-may-care fighter pilot of World War I, into Biggles' mature and implicitly trusted second-in-command. He is often left in charge of the aircraft during their many adventures, or of 666 Squadron during World War II, or of the Scotland Yard office in the later Air Police stories. Unfortunately, this often results in a smaller role for Algy in the later books, with him even being absent completely from a few stories. However, he does still play a major part in a few titles, and in all the books in which he is present, he always manages to arrive for the finale of the adventure, often bringing with him some desperately needed help to rescue Biggles and the others from a dire situation.
In a recent poll amongst Biggles fans, Algy was voted the most popular character, even beating Biggles himself.
The year 2001 was Algy's centenary year. Happy 100th Birthday, Algy!
signs by the latest additions.
