609 Squadron came into being on the 10th February
1936 as part of the expanding Auxiliary Air Force. Initially a bomber
squadron equipped with Hawker Harts. On 8th December, 1938, the Squadron's
role was changed from bomber to fighter and the squadron took delivery of
its first Spitfires Mk I during August 1939. The squadrons first victory
was a Heinkel HE111 H-2 of 2/KG26 which was shot down near St. Abbs Head,
27th February 1940, by Flying Officer G. D. Ayre, Pilot Officer J R
Buchanan and Flying Officer D Persse-Joynt. 609 squadron was, it is said,
the first Spitfire Squadron to reach 100 victories (Ju88 A-5 1/KG51) on
21st October 1940. The victory was shared by Flight Lieutenant F J Howell
and Pilot Officer S J Hill. During April 1942, 609 began to replace its
Spitfires with Hawker Typhoons, and went on to become the first Typhoon
squadron with 227 victories. Based at many RAF Stations 609 was in action
throughout WWII, covering the Dunkirk evacuation, the Battle of Britain
and supporting the D-Day landings as part of the 2nd TAF. There were many
decorations awarded to squadron members, these included 3 DSOs, 22 DFCs
and Bars and 4 DFMs. On 16th December 1947, King George VI gave permission
for use of the Royal Prefix for all Auxiliary Air Force Squadrons. 609
Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force was disbanded on 10th March 1957,
whilst equipped with Gloster Meteors F8 at RAF Church Fenton, Yorkshire.
On 1st October, 1999, 609 (west Riding) Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air
Force, was re-formed at RAF Leeming operating in the guise of Air Defence
Support Squadron (ADSS).
Into the Blue by Simon Atack. A classic view of a Mk I Spitfire belonging to 609
Squadron, flown by Battle of Britain ace John Bisdee, high over South
East England in that fateful summer of 1940. After the first fifteen
months of the war this famous fighter squadron, initially made up of
week-end flyers, became the first RAF squadron to claim 100 victories.
Made up of pilots from so many nations, 609 Squadron was described as
the most international brotherhood in arms since the Crusades. This
evocative image, endorsed by Battle of Britain Spitfire pilots, pays
tribute to all those who flew and fought this supreme little fighter in
the hostile skies of war-torn Europe, so long ago.
SPITFIRE TALLY-HO BY GEOFF LEA Depicting Spitfire of 609 squadron during the Battle of Britain.
Supermarine Spitfire Mk 1 by Philip West
High over the southern coast of England in 1940 a Spitfire
(Mk 1) of 609 Squadron from Middle Wallop, flown by Flying Officer John
Dundas, lies in wait for enemy aircraft (Junkers 87 divebombers) on their
way to attack British naval installations at Portland.
Southern Patrol by Philip West
"During the battle of Britain, 609 Squadron (PR)
and 152 Squadron (UM) were pitting themselves against the Luftwaffe. 609
based at Middle Wallop near Andover and 152 operating from Warmwell were
tasked with protecting part of 10 Group's Southern Sector. In this
painting I have attempted to give a feeling of companionship and freedom
during a quiet moment patrolling the south coast on the last patrol of the
day." Each copy is signed and numbered by the Artist and
countersigned by the late Group Captain Sir Hugh Dundas.
Aircraft side view by M A Kinnear Vickers Supermarine Spitfire Mk Ia X4590 PR-F.
Aircraft History: First flight
30th September, 1940. Delivered to 609 West Riding Squadron October, 1940.
On 21st October, 1940, whilst flown by pilot officer S J Hill it shared in
the destruction of a Ju88 which was 609 Squadron's 100th victory. X4590
was damaged on 25th October, 1940. After repair it was delivered to 66
Squadron. This aircraft is now preserved in its 609 Squadron markings in
the Battle of Britain Hall at the RAF Museum, Hendon.
Pilot Officer Sydney Jenkyn Hill:
Born April 1917, Sydney Hill joined 609 West Riding Squadron at RAF Middle
Wallop in October 1940. On 21st October, 1940, whilst flying Spitfire Mk I
PR-F serial X4590 he shared in the destruction of 609 Squadron's 100th
victory (a Ju88), with Flight Lieutenant F. J Howell, DFC. On 18th June, 1941, whilst flying
Spitfire MKVb PR-H serial W3211, he engaged Bf109s off Cap Gris Nez.
Although his aircraft was damaged he managed to get back to the English
coast and was seen gliding down towards Dover. Sadly, he crashed 5 miles
west of Dover and was killed.
