Update - Google agreed to replace my broken nest and sent me a new one.
After set up, the new nest connected to my network. I have returned the
old, damaged nest and hopefully all is good now.
Thanks for your reply, Jollygrog. Yes, I will be looking to replace my 2
nests as well, - probably with Ecobee. Google does not take responsible
for it's products, at least with Nest.