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Pilot Biographies
Between
the years 1939 and 1945, 300 pilots
flew with 609 (WR) Squadron. It became perhaps the most international
brotherhood of arms since the Crusades. If few of the pilots discovered what a
'Riding' was, warriors from the United States, Poland, the Commonwealth, France,
Norway, and above all Belgium, flew, lived, laughed, - and many died - together
in mutual devotion to the West Riding Squadron. 170
from Great Britain. 55
from Belgium. 20
from Canada. 17
from New Zealand. 14
from Australia. 7
from Poland 6
from North America. 2
from France. 2
from Rhodesia. 1
from Argentine. 1
from Ireland. 1
from Mauritius. 1
from Norway. 1
from South Africa. 2
from unknown countries. 53
Pilots were killed and 20 were missing believed killed. 31 were killed or missing after leaving 609 Squadron. 3
Auxiliary airmen were killed when Middle Wallop was bombed. 12
Pilots became Prisoners of War. 3
Pilots were awarded the Distinguished Service Order. 40
Pilots were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. 4 Pilots were awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal.
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Copyright © 2002 609 (West Riding)
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