There was a goat named Jeffery at the park. Jeffery De Goat, a Toggenburg goat, served as a pilot officer and the proud mascot of an RAF squadron! Known affectionately as “Jeffers” by his RAF friends, he was an honorary member of the 609 (West Riding) Squadron at RAF Leeming. This wasn’t just any promotion; it was steeped in tradition. During World War II, the squadron’s mascot was also a Toggenburg goat!
Flt Lt Alfie Hall discovered Jeffers while looking at a museum leaflet and was struck by his striking resemblance to William De Goat, the original wartime mascot gifted to the squadron by a pub landlady.
After successfully completing a three-month probation period, Jeffers was officially promoted from cadet officer to pilot officer. Squadron Leader Jeff Metcalfe added stripes to his collar during the squadron’s annual reunion.
The reunion itself was a special occasion, as Jeffers met Sir Joe Atkinson, a veteran squadron member who once flew Spitfires. Ian Richardson from the Yorkshire Air Museum commented at the time, “It went very well. Jeffers behaved himself, and has been promoted.”
The base personnel embraced Jeffery’s new status, viewing him as a bit of a maverick. After all, every squadron needs one, right?
Some highlights from Jeffery’s journey include:
