Sqn Ldr Patrick A Womersley DFC* AE – 609 Squadron
Patrick Womersley joined 609 (West Riding) Squadron AAF on 29 March 1939 as an Acting Pilot Officer. When war broke out he was as yet not fully trained, so when 609 proceeded to it’s first war Station at Catterick, he reported to No 6 Flying Training School at Little Rissington, together with several other trainee pilots from the Squadron. He graduated in December 1939 but did not return to 609 Sqn, instead being selected for twin-engined aircraft which resulted in another training course to convert him to the Bristol Blenheim.
He was posted to 59 Sqn, flying numerous sorties over France and the Low Countries gaining his first DFC for his actions. 59 Sqn later converted to the Lockheed Hudson and took on convoy protection and reconnaissance duties with Coastal Command.
In 1943 he was posted to 18 Sqn as an Acting Sqn Ldr flying the Douglas Boston, a twin-engined light attack and bomber aircraft. He saw much action in Italy until the end of the war, gaining a Bar to his DFC during that time.
Post-war he returned to the now reformed 609 Sqn at RAF Yeadon on 1 August 1946, as Sqn Ldr. Initially flying De Havilland Mosquito NF32s and then Spitfire Mk 16s, he served as the Officer Commanding until 3 October 1949.
He received an extension of service for five years at the end of which he resigned his commission.
When the 609 Squadron Association formed in 1967 he briefly joined and took part in activities, also contributing to the Squadron Memorial at Leeds-Bradford Airport.
He died in March 2009.
