Squadron History
The 209 Squadron was originally a Naval Squadron called the 9th Naval Squadron. Formed at St Pol, France in February 1917, the 9th Naval Squadron began its existence with a mixture of Sopwith Pups, Sopwith Triplanes, and Nieuport Scouts.
By June of 1917, it was equipped exclusively with Sopwith Triplanes, and that same month it was attached to the RFC. By September of 1917, it was finally re-equipped with Sopwith Camels, and it operated over the Channel area until March 1918 when it was sent back to France.
The Royal Air Force was formed on April 1, 1918, and the 9th Squadron became the 209th Squadron, RAF. On the 21st of the month Captain Roy Brown of the squadron was involved in the fight, which ultimately led to the death of the highest scoring pilot of WWI, Baron Manfred von Richthofen, although there is still much debate as to whether he delivered the fatal shot or it was delivered by ground troops. However, whatever is the case, the event is commemorated in the squadron's badge. The emblem of the 209th is an eagle volant recursant descendant in pale, wings overture. The motto reads: "Might and Main". The eagle falling represents the death of von Richtofen.
After the war the squadron remained on the continent until February 1919, when it moved to Scopwick , where it disbanded as an RAF Squadron on 24 June 1919.
209 ATC Squadron later reformed as an Air Cadets Corps Squadron, first commanded by a FIt Lt Hales, who was a former Royal Flying Corps pilot. The number 209 was first used on an incomplete flight linked to the 138 and 139 Squadrons situated in Trent Lane, and became fully independent in September, 1941, eventually using Berridge Road and Whitemoor Schools as its bases.
After a while 209 and 1469 Squadron ran jointly having a combined strength of 500 cadets, and boasting a recruiting flight and a band. In 1943 the squadron moved into a factory in Basford, which served as its HQ but parades continued every Sunday at Whitemoor School.
When the war ended many squadrons disbanded due to the reduced needs for RAF recruits, but the 209 ATC Squadron ensured its survival by taking on the Arnold, Eastwood, 1469, and 412 Scouts Squadrons.
Battle dress was the common uniform during the 1950s and 6Os and was often referred to as Hairy Mary's because of the thick woollen material.
Between 1950 and 1960 the 209 Squadron's home was Upnah House in Forest Fjelds, a building shared with 504 auxiliary air force.
In 1961 the squadron, now commanded by FIt Lt Allen, was adopted by the Arnold branch of the Royal British Legion and a year later moved to its current headquarters in Wilford Lane, West Bridgford.
Ten years later, Flt Lt Bill Cass assumed the role of commanding officer and in 1972 an East Midlands Wing was formed out of what was the North and Derby Wing.
Uniforms have continually changed over the years and opportunities for cadets knew no bounds. Night exercises, adventure training, overseas camps, and flying tuition becoming popular.
In 1978 the 209 ATC Squadron was adopted by the German Air Force's Richtofen wing, due to significant links with 209 Squadron RAF, who claim to have shot down and killed the famous Red Baron during World War I.
Presentation evenings at the Civil Service Club in Wilford Lane and Wing Camp at Proteus began. Annual camps included trips to RAF Thorney Island, RAF Conningsby and RAF Macrahanish.
The 1980s saw a major change at the ATC when females were allowed to join the 209. This move was brought about by a decline in numbers. FIt Lt Bill Cass moved on to take command of the 2418 Sherwood Squadron in 1983 and FIt Lt Graham Ward took over, he in turn being succeeded by FIt Lt Richard Quinton.
In 1990 the first girl cadets joined the West Bridgford Squadron, which was commanded until 1994 by FIt Lt Terry Croft, who handed over the reins to FIt Lt Stuart McNeill.
During the 90s, 36 members attended overseas camps, FIt Sgt Dale Sharp represented the Wing on an international Air Cadet Exchange to Canada, eight cadets received Duke of Edinburgh gold awards, and CWO Tom Hammond was the Lord Lieutenant's Cadet for Nottinghamshire in 1999.
The squadron was adopted by the West Bridgford Royal British Legion and continues to offer support with Poppy Day collections and in providing guards of honour.
In 1999 the West Bridgford squadron won the coveted Nijmegen medal, 12 members led by Stuart McNeill beating all-comers in a 100-mile marching challenge -in full military kit.