609 Squadron´s first victory was a Heinkel He 111 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 Fying Officer D.Persse-Joint. 609 Squadron was, it is said, the first Spitfire Squadron to reach 100 victories ( JU88 A-51 1/KG 51 ) 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, source state, the First Typhoon Squadron to reach 50 victories and ended WWII as the highest scoring Typhoon Squadron with 227 victories. Based at many RAF stations 609 was in action throughout WWII, covering the Dunkirk evacuation, BoB, and supporting the D-day landings as part of the 2nd TAF. There were many decorations awarded to Squadron members, these included three DSO´s, 22 DFCs and Bars and four DFMs. On the 16th December, 1947, King George VI gave permission for use of the Royal prefix for all Auxiliary Air Force Squadrons. From the COA included with the print
A limited edition of only 40 prints signed by the following pilots ( miy print is 18/40 ): Wg Cdr R.P.Beamont, CBE,DSO and bar.,DFC and bar., DFC (USA).,DL C.O. 03/10/42-05/05/43 Sqd Ldr R.A. Lallemant (Belgian), DFC and bar. C.O. 14/08/44-17/09/44 Sqd Ldr L.W.F. Stark, DFC., AFC.,CdeG (Belgian) C.O. 16/03/45-10/05/46 Flying Officer G.L.R.C. Jaspis (Belgian), DFC. 609 (WR) Squadron 1943-44 Pilot Office A.G. La Force ( Belgian) 609 (WR) Squadron 1944-45 Pilot Officer J.A. Mathys ( Belgian) 609 (WR) Squadron 1944-45 Flight Lieutenant J. De Bruyn ( Belgian) 609 (WR) Squadron 1944-45 Warrant Officer F. David Linacre ( Australian ) 609 (WR) Squadron 1945
