No. 609 (West Riding) Squadron of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force was originally formed as a combat squadron and in 1936. Originally a bomber squadron, it was converted into a fighter squadron in the Royal Air Force during World War II. During the Battle of Britain, 609 Squadron was based at RAF Middle Wallop, and became the first squadron to achieve 100 kills in October, 1940. 609 Squadron participated in most of the major events of the war. After the war, it was returned to the Royal Auxiliary Air Force. Presently, 609 Squadron provides personnel to augment and support the operations of the Royal Air Force. The squadron is no longer a flying squadron, but instead has the role of Force Protection. It is currently based at RAF Leeming, North Yorkshire.
No. 609 Squadron RAF in Or Even Eagle Flew[]
In July 1940, American pilots Amelia Earhart, Red Tobin, Andy Mamedoff, and Shorty Keough were assigned to 609 Squadron at Middle Wallop.[1]
The squadron commander, Flight Officer Darley, was uncertain as to what to do with Earhart at first.[2]
References[]
- ↑ Or Even Eagle Flew, pg. 42, loc. 492, ebook.
- ↑ Ibid., pg. 45, loc. 526.
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