609 West Riding Squadron - RAF Reserves

03/09/2026

Also recruiting Reserves at Raf Leeming and Raf Woodvale.

24/08/2026

⚡️What does your weekend look like? ⚡️

Trade your weekend lie-ins for high-octane action.

➡️ From tactical fieldcraft

➡️Counter drone skills

➡️Weapon handling

➡️Base defense

Joining the RAF Regiment Reserves means spending your weekends learning combat skills, pushing your limits, and serving alongside an unbeatable team.

Recruiting now for Raf Leeming (North Yorkshire) and Raf Woodvale (Southport)


RFCA Yorkshire and The Humber RAF Regiment Recruitment RAF Regiment Royal Air Force RAF Reserves RAF Leeming

https://recruitment.raf.mod.uk/roles/roles-finder/ground-combat-security/raf-regiment-gunner

24/08/2026

12/08/2026

FAREWELL AND THANK YOU, CPL DAVE FERGUSON

After more than 20 years of dedicated service, Corporal Dave Ferguson has hung up his uniform for the final time, bringing an end to a distinguished career spanning both the Army and the RAF Regiment — the vast majority of which was spent right here with 609 (West Riding) Squadron 🫡

Dave is one of the best-known faces on the squadron — and for good reason. He’s the man with the stories, the bigger-than-life personality, and above all, an outstanding ability to teach and instruct. Generations of personnel have benefited from his expertise, his patience, and his exceptional instructional technique. He didn’t just teach — he inspired.

Valued equally by the troops he trained and the fellow instructors he served alongside, Dave was the one who could lift morale in almost any situation. He brought warmth, wit, and wisdom to every parade, every exercise, and every training weekend. He will be hugely missed.

As he moves on to the next chapter and embraces civilian life, we wish him every happiness and success. We’re certain this isn’t the last we’ll see of him — he’s made too many friends and left too big a mark to be a stranger for long! 🧑‍🤝‍🧑

📸 Photos below show the gifts presented to Dave by the squadron, as a small token of our huge appreciation and respect.

Thank you for everything, Dave. Enjoy the well-earned rest — and don’t be a stranger!

Tally Ho! And Per Ardua



RAF Reserves RAF Regiment Recruitment RAF Regiment RAF Leeming RFCA Yorkshire and The Humber

03/08/2026

This weekend, members of 609 Squadron headed to Whinney Hill to put their skills to the test with intensive Close Quarters Battle (CQB) training!

Balancing civilian lives with military service, our reservists turned out in force ready to work hard, learn, and support one another through every drill. The unique terrain and layout at Whinney Hill presented the perfect setting to practice:
✅ Safe, controlled room clearing procedures
✅ Team movement and maintaining formation in tight spaces
✅ Clear, concise communication under pressure
✅ Situational awareness and threat assessment
✅ Building trust and cohesion across the squadron

CQB demands focus, discipline, and split-second judgement – and this team delivered. It’s great to see how everyone brings their own strengths to the unit, and how quickly we sharpen our skills and work as one, even when we only meet up for weekend training.

Well done to every member who gave their all this weekend, to our instructors for guiding us through, and to all the support that makes training like this possible. Proud to be part of this squadron! 💪


RAF Reserves RAF Regiment Recruitment RFCA Yorkshire and The Humber RAF Regiment RAF Leeming Royal Air Force

21/07/2026

609(WR) Sqn Recruiting throughout Yorkshire, the North East and now the North West of England.

Drone Flyers

16/07/2026

Community Engagement
609 (West Riding) Squadron was delighted to welcome members of the Northallerton Veterans today as part of the North Yorkshire Veterans Group.

Hosted by former Squadron member and historian, Flight Sergeant Wood, the group toured the Squadron History Room and Timeline, exploring 609 Squadron's proud heritage from the Battle of Britain through to the present day, including its current Counter-Drone role.

It was a pleasure to share our history and welcome our veteran visitors.

RFCA Yorkshire and The Humber

12/07/2026

This weekend, personnel from 609 (West Riding) Squadron took part in two days of Force Development, combining history, navigation and team building.

On Saturday, the Squadron visited Fountains Abbey near Ripon, learning about the area’s military heritage, including Ripon’s vital role during the First World War as a processing centre for soldiers before they departed for the Western Front.

Sunday saw personnel put their navigation skills to the test on the Leeming History Walk. Along the route, the team visited a number of local wartime sites, including the remains of a Second World War decoy airfield and aircraft crash locations, while honing their map reading and navigation skills.

A thoroughly enjoyable and worthwhile weekend for all involved.

RAF Regiment Recruitment RAF Regiment RAF Reserves RAF Leeming Royal Air Force RFCA Yorkshire and The Humber

11/07/2026

Congratulations to Cpl Vinand ("Vinny") on being named Reservist of the Year at the awards ceremony held at RAF Honington last night.



This well-deserved recognition reflects Vinny's outstanding commitment and contribution over the past year in support of both the Royal Auxiliary Air Force and the Regular Force. Currently deployed on Operations overseas, Vinny was unfortunately unable to attend the ceremony in person, a further testament to the dedication that earned him this award.



His achievement is also a reflection of the teamwork, professionalism, and commitment demonstrated across 609 (West Riding) Squadron. A fantastic accomplishment for Vinny and the Squadron alike.

# RAF Reserves RFCA Yorkshire and The Humber RAF Regiment RAF Regiment Recruitment RAF Leeming Royal Air Force

04/07/2026

First official Day at Endure24 for 609 sqn.
The team are doing well and feeling fit.
Come down and say hello to both the team and recruitment staff at the event!

RAF Reserves RAF Regiment Recruitment RFCA Yorkshire and The Humber RAF Regiment RAF Leeming