Official photograph of 609 Squadron, complete with mascot Billy de Goat at right.   JR.

609 Squadron - all present and correct.

Members of No. 609 Squadron, RAF, with the newly-arrived William (Billy) de Goat, Squadron Mascot from early 1941 to the end of the war, including service in Normandy, the Netherlands and Germany.  Billy was a gift to one of the pilots from the landlady of the local pub, The Old Jail, close to Biggin Hill station.  Here, he seems to be cosying up to a resident mascot of the canine species.  JR.

Getting their goat ...

Billy de Goat with 609 Squadron friends, sporting the "insignia" of his "honorary rank" of Wing Commander on horns and collar, 1943.  He earned this "promotion" by eating 30 cigarettes, 2 bowls of flowers and the commanding officer's mess bill.  By the end of the war, Billy had "risen" to the extraordinary rank of Air Commodore.  It is not clear what happened to Billy following demobilisation in 1945.  Not roast "cabrito", one hopes ...  JR.