3 Squadron RAAF - Historic Dates & Campaigns

No.3 Squadron's official badge shows a winged flaming grenade, emblazoned with a French Fleur-de-Lis (or "Heraldic Lily"), recalling the Squadron's days serving with the Australian Flying Corps in France during the First World War.

The Latin motto: OPERTA APERTA means "Secrets Revealed", referring to the value of aerial reconnaissance - one of the important roles of the Squadron in its early operational days (and still an important capability today!).

One of Australia's top flying units, No.3 Squadron is now equipped with F-35 Lightning II fighter-bomber aircraft and based at Williamtown RAAF Base, NSW.

There are around 200 personnel on strength at any one time, including two dozen officers (predominantly pilots). Around 85% of the personnel are uniformed and 15% civilian consultants.

The Squadron proudly displays, in their Headquarters, many souvenirs and photos portraying their historic achievements.

HISTORIC DATES - WORLD WAR I:

29 August 1916.
Formed within the Australian Flying Corps - a division of the 1st Australian Imperial Force. Originally known as "2 Squadron", since it was the second AFC Squadron formed at Point Cook, Victoria.
- However, another AFC "No.2" Squadron had been formed in Egypt at the same time, so our Squadron became regarded as the AFC's "3rd", once they landed in England.

BASE 1). LAVERTON, VICTORIA
29 Aug 1916 - 25 Oct 1916

COMMANDING OFFICER
Henry. H. STORRER. (Honorary CAPT. during Squadron formation at Point Cook and the voyage to England. Later killed in action on the Western Front.)

25 Oct 1916.
Sailed for U.K. Ship A38 'Ulysses' left Melbourne with 18 officers and 230 airmen.
Ashore in England in 29th December 1916.

COMMANDING OFFICER
Maj. David V. J. BLAKE. (Posted to England from Egypt, not Melbourne.)
1/9/16 - 28/10/18

BASE 2). SOUTH CARLTON, Lincolnshire U.K.
29 Dec 1916 - 21 Aug 1917.

Upon arrival in England the Squadron had been designated "No.69 Squadron (Australian), Royal Flying Corps" and proceeded upon an extensive programme of training and preparation for eventual transfer to the Western Front. However the Australian Government objected to any Australian squadron being designated "R.F.C.", so the Squadron's name was changed again, effective 31 March, to "No.69 Squadron, Australian Flying Corps", whilst remaining completely embedded in the RFC organisation.

Departure to the Western Front. Eighteen RE8s took 15 days to get to Savy in Northern France. Departing from South Carlton, one RE8 crashed on the way, killing its two man crew. The Squadron were then delayed in LYMPNE on the English Channel Coast for 19 days, prior to crossing into France. Their base in France was not ready to receive them and structural problems with the RE8 engine-bearers also had to be fixed.)

BASE 3). SAVY
9 Sep 1917 - 12 Nov 1917

10 Sep 1917. |
First Operational AFC Squadron in France. Three flights: A, B and C. Each had six RE8 aircraft, each crewed by pilot + observer-gunner.

SAVY - ARRAS area - The Squadron operated in this relatively quiet sector during their settling-in period ...

3 Squadron's first airfield was at SAVY.

BASE 4). BAILLEUL
12 Nov 1917 - 22 Mar 1918

15 Nov 1917.
No.69 Squadron appointed "Corps Squadron" to 1 ANZAC CORPS.

6 Dec 1917.
"First Aerial Victory". RE8 A3815, flown by Captain W. H. Anderson, with observer Lieutenant J. R. Bell, flew an artillery-ranging mission protecting Australian troops at Messines (Ypres). Having completed his "shoot", Anderson dropped two 20lb. bombs on an enemy trench strongpoint. At 1010 the RE8 was attacked by a German DFW two-seater. Lieutenant Bell directed a stream of ninety Lewis-gun rounds into the German aircraft. The DFW fell steeply without firing a shot. An artillery officer on the Messines Ridge saw the DFW crash into the German lines. This was the first German aircraft destroyed by the Squadron on the Western Front.

17 Dec 1917.
The "Ghost RE8" incident. Lt. Sandy (pilot) and Sgt Hughes (observer) were both killed by a single bullet during aerial combat. Their RE8 flew until it ran out of fuel then glide-landed 50 miles away in snowy fields, with little damage.

18 Jan 1918.
Renamed "3" Officially. From this date the Squadron gained its long-term identity of "3 Squadron".

The ARMENTIERES - YPRES Offensive (which followed the 3rd Battle of Ypres) ...

From Savy, 3 Squadron moved north-east to BAILLEUL and later (from 22 March 1918) to nearby ABEELE, only 8-10 miles from YPRES and 5-6 miles from ARMENTIERES ... both only a few miles from a very active front line.

The Squadron's duty was to locate enemy artillery batteries and then to range-spot for army artillery; also to drop 25lb Cooper bombs on enemy front line strong points and to photograph enemy defences and trenches. During this time, BAILLEUL was shelled and bombed, several RE8s and their crews were lost but 8 or so enemy aircraft were destroyed.

BASE 5). ABEELE
22 Mar 1918 - 8 Apr 1918

BASE 6). POULAINVILLE
8 Apr 1918 - 4 May 1918

21 Apr 1918. The "Red Baron" incident. During his air pursuit of an RFC Camel, Germany's top ace, Captain Baron Manfred von Richthofen (today called "The Red Baron" because he flew a red-painted Fokker DR1 triplane) was, by evidence, shot down and mortally-wounded by ground fire, although he was also fired at by two 3 Squadron RE8s and an RFC camel aircraft. The Red Baron's aircraft crashed near 3 Squadron's base. Lt. James Lee Smith, DFC, an off-duty 3 Squadron pilot, helped lead a retrieval party to bring the Baron's body and his aircraft back to 3SQN's Poulainville base. 3 Squadron buried The Red Baron with full military honours.

Transfer from ABEELE to POULAINVILLE was approx 70 air miles (112 km) south.

The Battles of HAMEL (4 Jul 1918) AMIENS (8 Aug 1918) and The SOMME Offensive (Aug 1918)
The Squadron first moved south to POULAINVILLE from ABEELE and later formed a forward landing ground at GLISY. Air combats became daily affairs whilst RE8s carried out their photographic missions (over 90,000 prints taken), bombing and trench strafing, Corps reconnaissance and troop and artillery spotting duties. They were at POULAINVILLE when the Red Baron went down near Corbie.

To fly from POULAINVILLE to HAMEL is about 12 air miles (20km). In an RE8, that could be done in about 10 minutes but, by road, it could take half a day or more, depending on conditions.

On 4 May 1918, the Squadron moved 3.5 air miles (5.6km) north to VILLERS BOCAGE where they stayed for 4 months carrying out much the same duties as before. The RE8s were also used to create diversions and make noise to cover advancing troops and particularly tank forces. Dropping smoke bombs to screen advancing troops and dropping ammunition to fighting soldiers were other duties.

BASE 7). VILLERS BOCAGE
4 May 1918 - 6 Sep 1918
(Advanced Landing Ground 12 Aug 1918 - 6 Sep 1918:) GLISY

24 Jun 1918.
The "Wackett invention". Aerial drops of ammunition to field troops were needed, but almost impossible to achieve with accuracy. Capt L. J. Wackett, DFC, ("A" Flight's Commander) invented a modified bomb-rack that allowed ammunition-box parachuting, which effectively solved the problem for the Allies. Wackett became a leading figure in Australian aviation and was instrumental in the design and manufacture the Sabres and Mirages later operated (from 1956 to 1986) by 3SQN.

BASE 8). PROYART
3 Sep 1918 - 21 Sep 1918

The advance to the HINDENBURG LINE (5 Sep1918)
The Squadron moved 16 air miles (26km) west to PROYART in preparation for the final thrust by the Allied forces to break through the enemy stronghold line.

BASE 9). BOUVINCOURT
21 Sep 1918 - 6 Oct 1918

BASE 10). BERNES
6 Oct 1918 - 17 Oct 1918

BASE 11). PREMONT
17 Oct 1918 - 28 Nov 1918

COMMANDING OFFICER
Maj. W. H. Anderson
28/10/18 - 31/12/18

18 Nov 1918.
Germany and Australia's first air-postal service. Seven days after WW1 ended, 3 Squadron were ordered to set up and operate the first air-postal service to cover the newly occupied Rhine and Cologne areas for Army HQ.

The Battle of THE RIVER SELLE.
Another move, approx 17 air miles (28km) west to BOUVINCOURT into an airfield evacuated by the German Air Force, allowed the Squadron to support the Allied armies in their storming of the main HINDENBURG LINE which they began to do on 29 Sep 1918. A second move, only a few miles away to BERNES on 6 Oct 1918, brought the front line even closer until, on 17 Oct 1918 they moved to PREMONT, about 13 air miles (21km) north-east.

COMMANDING OFFICER
Capt. H. N. Wrigley
7/1/19 - 24/7/19
(Had been Temporary C.O. Late Nov 1918 - Dec 1919)

BASE 12). TARCIENNES Belgium
29 Nov 1918 - 22 Feb 1919

3 Jan 1919.
Recording history.    As well-proven experts in aerial photography, 3 Squadron were assigned the task of photographing WW1 battle sites.

31 Jan 1919.
Aircraft change-over.    Bristol F2b Fighters had, by then, replaced all RE8s.

21 Feb 1919.
Preparations for return to England.    All the new aircraft and stores were handed back to the RAF. Ground contingent departed in trucks towards Le Harve port in France, with several breaks at British Army billets and rest camps along the way.

4 March 1919.
3AFC departed France, in company with 2AFC, on cross-channel ferry.

6 May 1919.
Return to Australia. 29 officers and 216 airmen embarked on 'Kaisar-i-Hind' ("Emperor of India") at Southampton, UK. (The majority of personnel from AFC squadrons 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 were on board.)

16 Jun 1919.
Last day of 3AFC activity. Disembarked Melbourne. Discharge of the last airmen.

BETWEEN THE WARS:

Short-Lived Temporary "3 Squadron". Once the Royal Australian Air Force had been established in 1921 (taking over from the tiny Australian Air Corps) "3 Squadron" was intended to be re-formed as a Corps Reconnaissance unit. Lack of Government funding resulted in the "Squadron" being disbanded again, having only reached a personnel strength of one "Flight", with 4xSE5A fighters.

COMMANDING OFFICER
FLTLT F. W. F. Lukis
(Promoted SQNLDR from 2/7/26)
1/7/25- 13/1/30

BASE 14). RICHMOND, NSW
2 Jul 1925 - 15 Jul 1940

1 Jul 1925.
Re-formed within Royal Australian Air Force.
[Richmond RAAF Base established.]
    No.3 (Composite) Squadron positioned from Point Cook, Vic. and formally commenced RAAF operations at Richmond NSW on 1 July 1925, with HQ plus three Flights: Two-seat DH9 (Army Co-Op); Two-seat DH9A (Bomber); and Single-seat SE5A (Fighter) aircraft.

11 Aug 1925.
First RAAF-publicity operations. Two DH9s flew to Brisbane for Brisbane Show.

1 Jul 1926.
Rename. The term "Composite" was deleted to become 3 Squadron.

26 May 1926.
Parachute Pioneers. The first parachute descents to be carried out in Australia by the Royal Australian Air Force were made at Richmond Aerodrome by members of No.3 Squadron, under the supervision of Flight-Lieutenant Wackett.

December 1929.
First Wapitis arrive. With the arrival of the first 2-seat Westland Wapiti biplanes, the Squadron is officially renamed: "3 (Army Co-Operation) Squadron"

COMMANDING OFFICER
SQNLDR A. H. Cobby DSO, DFC
(The AFC's highest-scoring fighter ace from WWI.)
13/1/30 - 22/11/31

COMMANDING OFFICER
SQNLDR W. D. Bostock OBE
22/11/31 - 8/5/36

RICHMOND, NSW 19 March 1932.
Harbour Bridge Opening. No.3 Squadron provided an aerial flypast as part of the official ceremonies for the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
(The Squadron was also involved in regular ceremonials, such as Armistice Day - 11 November.)

1935.
Aircraft upgrades. Westland Wapitis were used with great success for several years. Then Hawker Demon 2-seat fighters began replacing Wapitis.

Sep 1935.
Trophy winners The Stonehaven Trophy ‘for annual competition by squadrons of the RAAF’ was awarded to No.3 Squadron over three consecutive years (1933–35) and, as a result, the competition lapsed.
[This trophy was more recently reinstated into Air Force Awards, after being rediscovered in 2007.]

COMMANDING OFFICER
FLTLT R. H. Simm.
8/5/36 - 10/11/36

COMMANDING OFFICER
SQNLDR J. V. Lacher.
10/11/36 - 2/2/37

COMMANDING OFFICER
SQNLDR J. H. Summers.
2/2/37 - 3/5/37

COMMANDING OFFICER
SQNLDR J. Waters.
3/5/37 - 10/5/38

COMMANDING OFFICER
SQNLDR A. L. Walters.
10/5/38 - 39

RICHMOND, NSW 20 Apr 1936
- First Citizens' Air Force ("CAF") squadrons formed, including No.22 SQN Richmond. Since 1925, CAF volunteers had been trained within No.3 Squadron, providing a significant proportion of total manpower. Now No.3 Squadron (still based at Richmond) became fully 'Permanent' - as an Army Cooperation unit - although initially short of aircraft and personnel.

Two months later, on 1 July, the new CAF units added to their title the name of the capital city on which they were based, eg. No.22 (City of Sydney) Squadron.

COMMANDING OFFICER
SQNLDR A. X. Richards. 1939

3 Sep 1939.
Richmond NSW - WW2 Operational alert. England's declaration of war on Germany. Australia follows as a matter of course.

WORLD WAR II:

COMMANDING OFFICER
FLTLT I. D. McLachlan. 4/12/39 - 13/2/41.
(Promoted to SQNLDR 1/2/40. Awarded Australia's FIRST WW2 DFC.)

15 Jul 1940
(Transport to Middle East)    Left Richmond, NSW by train.
21 officers and 271 airmen boarded 'Orontes' in Sydney, for Egypt. First RAAF Squadron to arrive in the Middle East.

BASE 15). GERAWALA, Egypt
(two Flights)
and IKINGI MARIUT
(one Flight)
3 Nov 1940 - 13 Dec 1940

Sep-Oct 1940.
First Equipment in Africa. Three Westland Lysanders followed by Gloster Gladiators and Gauntlets. Became members of 'Desert Air Force'; the radio call sign for the Squadron became the word 'SHABBY'.

During the first LIBYAN Campaign, it took 5 months for the Squadron, and the 6th Division AIF forces they supported, to advance approx 400 air miles (700 km) westward as far as BENINA, from their starting point at GERAWLA. To get there, they occupied 9 airfields and their duties were to carry out bombing, reconnaissance, and air warfare in a succession of Lysanders, Gauntlets, Gladiators and Hurricanes.
From the end of March 1941 and into early April, the German-Italian forces forced the Allied armies into retreat.

The Squadron's rapid retreat from BENINA to SIDI HANEISH was carried out in under 10 days, in which they occupied seven airstrips.

13 Nov 1940.
First WW2 operational flight. FLTLTs G. Steege, DSO, DFC, and C. Gaden carried out tactical reconnaissance. ("Tac.R")

19 Nov 1940.
First pilot loss and first air-combat victory claims. SQNLDR Peter HEATH killed in action; flying a biplane Gladiator against the Italians. FLTLT B. Pelly, FLGOFFs A. Rawlinson and A. Boyd claimed three Italian CR42 s shot down and at least 3 others damaged. (In fact the Italians lost no aircraft, but did suffer some damage. The Italians also over-claimed six victories, whereas SQNLDR Heath was the only casualty on either side.)

BASE 16). SIDI BARRANI
(A.L.G.74)
8 Dec 1940 - 13 Dec 1940

BASE 17). BIR MELLA
14 Dec 1940 - 23 Dec 1940

BASE 18). SOLLUM
23 Dec 1940 - 11 Jan 1941

14 Dec 1940.
First bail-out. FLGOFF L. Winten wounded and parachuted to safety.

BASE 19). GAMBUT, Libya. 8 Jan 1941 - 15 Jan 1941

14 Jan 1941. First ground-crew casualties. Wireless personnel CPL V. Jarvis killed near Tobruk and LAC G. Parr taken prisoner by Italian soldiers.

BASE 20). BIR HACHEIM
16 Jan 1941 - 24 Jan 1941

BASE 21). TMIMI. Libya
24 Jan 1941 - 7 Feb 1941

Early 1941.
Nickname given. First, the "phantom squadron" then " hydraulic" (lifts anything) and finally called the "Clifty Squadron" (in Arabic, means "thieving").

27 Jan 1941.
First WW2 Decoration. WGCDR I. McLachlan (1st WW2 C.O.) becomes the first RAAF WW2 officer to be awarded Distinguished Flying Cross.

COMMANDING OFFICER
SQNLDR Peter Jeffrey, DSO DFC MiD(2). 13/2/41 - 10/11/41.

BASE 22). BENINA, Libya
7 Feb 1941- 2 Apr 1941

1 Feb 1941.
New monoplane fighters. 1st Hawker Hurricanes arrived.

15 Feb 1941.
First German aircraft engaged. FLGOFF J. Saunders, flying a Hurricane, claimed a German Ju88 destroyed. [German records only show "severely damaged"! Nonetheless, this was the first Allied victory claim against a Luftwaffe aircraft in the Mediterranean theatre.]

BASE 23). MARTUBA
(via GOT EL SULTAN)
2 Apr 1941 - 6 Apr 1941

BASE 24). SIDI MAHOUD

BASE 25). SOLLUM
(and 5 other Landing Grounds)
6 Apr 1941 - 12 Apr 1941

19 Apr 1941.
First stand-down. Stand-down before re-equipping with Tomahawks.
- 10 days leave from Aboukir in Nile Delta.

BASE 26). AQIR, Palestine
3 May 1941 - 9 May 1941

BASE 27). LYDDA, Palestine
9 May 1941 - 11 Jul 1941
- Detachment CYPRUS
24 May 1941 - 3 June 1941
-Advanced Landing Grounds: JENIN and ROSH PINNA

14 May 1941.
New American aircraft. P40 Curtiss Tomahawks arrived. Despite many conversion accidents, within four months there were 12 "Tommies" on strength.

8 Jun 1941.
Syrian Campaign Starts.

12 Jul 1941.
Combined Operations 'First'. Armistice with Vichy French in Syria. First wartime "All Arms Combined Operation" in Australian History, when 3SQN operated with both the Australian Navy and Army over the Syrian Coast.

BASE 28). ROSH PINNA, Palestine
12 Jul 1941 - 19 Jul 1941

3SQN Headquarters moves forward after Victory.

The one-month SYRIAN Campaign involved the Squadron, using Tomahawks now, supporting the 7th Division AIF against the Vichy French. Duties were air-combat and ground-strafing, often in mountainous country.

After the Vichy surrendered on 12 Jul 1941, the Squadron provided air protection in the defence of Beirut.

COMMANDING OFFICER
SQNLDR Peter Jeffrey DFC
13/2/41 - 10/11/41

BASE 29). RAYAK, Syria
20 Jul 1941 - 4 Sep 1941

Peaceable days occupying Syria provide a welcome respite and an opportunity to train new personnel.

COMMANDING OFFICER
SQNLDR Alan C. Rawlinson, OBE, DFC&Bar, AFC.
10/11/41 - 1/1/42.

BASE 30). SIDI HENEISH, Egypt
9 Sep 1941 - 13 Nov 1941

BASE 31). MADALENA
13 Nov 1941 - 20 Dec 1941

22 Nov 1941.
The blackest day. Five pilots were killed during enemy action that day.

Still using Tomahawks (until they were replaced by Kittyhawks in December 1941), the Squadron reached ANTELAT during the second LIBYAN Campaign. Beginning in January 1942, the enemy forced another retreat, this time to GAMBUT from where they operated for almost four months before again having to fall back beyond SIDI HANESH to EL DABA and later to AMIRIYA (near EL ALAMEIN).

30 Nov 1941.
'100' Benchmark. 3 Squadron tally of enemy aircraft claimed destroyed in air combat now exceeded 100.

4 Dec 1941.
New aircraft. P40E Curtiss Kittyhawks began arriving. 3SQN is the firstdesert fighter squadron to receive them.

BASE 32). EL ADEM
20 Dec 1941 - 27 Dec 1941 2nd Libyan Advance

COMMANDING OFFICER
WGCDR D. R. "Dixie" Chapman
1/1/42 - 26/2/42

BASE 33). MSUS
27 Dec 1941 - 13 Jan 1942

BASE 34). ANTELAT
13 Jan 1942 - 22 Jan 1942

COMMANDING OFFICER.
SQNLDR R. H. "Bobby" Gibbes, DSO, DFC and Bar. 26/2/42 - 23/5/42. (First Tour)

COMMANDING OFFICER.
SQNLDR A. W. "Nicky" Barr, MC, DFC and Bar, OBE. (Following Gibbes combat injury.) 23/5/42- 26/6/42.

BASE 36). GAMBUT
26 Feb 1942 - 17 Jun 1942

Static Defence of Gazala Line, Libya

BASE 37). SIDI AZEIZ
17 Jun 1942 - 18 Jun 1942

BASE 38). MICHEIFA (LG075)
18 Jun 1942 - 23 Jun 1942

BASE 39). SIDI HANEISH (LG102)
23 Jun 1942 - 27 Jun 1942

BASE 40). EL DABA (LG106)
27 Jun 1942 - 29 Jun 1942

COMMANDING OFFICER.
SQNLDR R.H. Gibbes
DSO DFC and Bar
(Second tour of command, following Nicky Barr's capture.)
26/6/42 - 19/4/43

BASE 41). AMIRIYA (LG91)
29 Jun 1942 - 19 Oct 1942

22 Jul 1942.
Bombing Record. 1,000th bomb dropped in 9 weeks - a record for Desert Air Force.

29 Oct 1942.
"Double Century". SQNLDR Bobby Gibbes acclaimed after adding the 200th victory to 3 Squadron's WW2 tally.
(But a recheck of records in 1996 disclosed that the correct aerial victory tally was slightly less.)

BASE 43). EL DABA (LG106)
6 Nov 1942 - 9 Nov 1942

BASE 44). SIDI HANEISH (LG101)
9 Nov 1942 - 11 Nov 1942

BASE 45). MICHEIFA (LG076)
11 Nov 1942 - 13 Nov 1942
Pursuit of Rommel across Egypt and into Libya

The final TUNIS Campaign stage of the Squadron's war in the Middle East's North African deserts began just before the history-making, and deciding, Battle of EL ALAMEIN (23 October 1942) in which constant air support to the 8th Army was provided. From then, the enemy forces were on the run.

During the next 6 months, an approx 1,300 air mile (2,200km) Allied advance, involving 20 airfield locations, ended when the Squadron finally reached KAIROUAN in Tunisia before they moved to ZUARA, western Libya, in anticipation of their next Campaign.

After Gibbes had been shot down 14/1/43, he walked out from behind enemy lines over 3 days. FLT Ron Watt was promoted to A/SQNLDR and made CO of 3 Squadron 16/1/43. Sadly Watt was KIA on 27/1/43.

BASE 46). GAMBUT
13 Nov 1942 - 15 Nov 1942

BASE 47). GAZALA
15 Nov 1942 - 19 Nov 1942

BASE 48). MARTUBA
19 Nov 1942 - 8 Dec 1942

BASE 49. BELANDAH
8 Dec 1942 - 18 Dec 1942

Nov 1942.
'Clifty' Aircraft 1. Engineering Officer Ken McRae captured a usable Me109G which was marked "CV-V" as a 3 Squadron aircraft. CO, SqnLdr Bobby Gibbes, used it to teach pilots about German tactics.

BASE 50). MARBLE ARCH
18 Dec 1942 - 31 Dec 1942

BASE 51). CHELL 2
31 Dec 1942 - 11 Jan 1943

BASE 52). HAMRIET 3
11 Jan 1943 - 17 Jan 1943

BASE 53). SEDADA
17 Jan 1943 - 20 Jan 1943

BASE 54). SIRRU
20 Jan 1943 - 24 Jan 1943

18 Dec 1942.
Marble Arch Landmine Disaster. Axis mines and booby traps were a serious hazard during the long advance across North Africa. At Marble Arch five ground-crew were killed by a singe German 'S' mine (or "Bouncing Betty").

BASE 55). CASTEL BENITO
24 Jan 1943 - 15 Feb 1943

BASE 56). EL ASSA
15 Feb 1943 - 8 Mar 1943

BASE 57). NEFFATIA
8 Mar 1943 - 21 Mar 1943

Jan 1943.
'Clifty' Aircraft 2. Undamaged Caproni Ghibli recovered at Castel Benito. Used often as a beer-carrier and a means of ferrying airmen on leave passes.

BASE 58). MEDENIN MAIN
21 Mar 1943 - 3 Apr 1943

BASE 59. EL HAMMA, Tunisia
3 Apr 1943 - 14 Apr 1943

Major Battles on the Tunisian Frontier: "Breakthough at El Hamma" sees 3SQN and other Desert Air Force aircraft smash a path through concentrated German anti-tank defences.

COMMANDING OFFICER
SQNLDR B.A. Eaton
19/4/43 - 19/6/43

BASE 60). EL DJEM
14 Apr 1943 - 18 Apr 1943

BASE 61). KAIROUAN, Tunisia
18 Apr 1943 - 21 May 1943

12 May 1943.
End of the War in Africa. When Tunisia fell, the Desert War was over. 3 Squadron were the only Squadron in the D.A.F. who had participated in the entire African campaign. Celebration parties and leave were enjoyed before orders came to prepare for operations in Sicily and Italy.

COMMANDING OFFICER
SQNLDR Reg N. B. Stevens, DFC and Bar.
19/6/43 - 21/8/43.

4 July 1943.
Stop-over to Europe 1. Two parties of personnel and aircraft arrived in Valetta, Malta before proceeding to Sicily several days later.

Now began the (almost) 26 month ITALIAN Campaign involving, firstly, short service stays in MALTA (10 days) and then in SICILY (approx two months) before the Squadron reached ITALY on 14 September 1943.

Italy's cruel winter in 1944 made life difficult. The early months of this phase were fought using Kittyhawks but Mustangs began to arrive in November 1944. Duties of the fighter-bombers involved dropping 1,000 pounders and, later, attacking enemy forces as far as YUGOSLAVIA. They also participated in the famous Cassino campaign

15 landing grounds were occupied to cover the approx 250 air mile (400km) distance between GROTTAGLIE and CERVIA where the Squadron finished their war when Germany surrendered on 29 April 1945 finishing the war in Europe. In May they moved to LAVARIANO to clean up and await return to Australia.

BASE 63). TE KALI, Malta
9 Jul 1943 - 13 Jul 1943

BASE 64). LUQA, Malta
13 Jul 1943 - 18 Jul 1943

BASE 65. PACHINO, Sicily
18 Jul 1943 - 2 Aug 1943

21 July 1943.
Stop-over to Europe 2. One more party arrived in Syracuse, Sicily and linked with the ex-Malta contingent. Within three days, they were flying 12 sorties per day against German forces in Sicily.

COMMANDING OFFICER
SQNLDR Brian A. Eaton, CB, CBE, DSO & Bar, DFC, AMERICAN SILVER STAR. 21/8/43 - 22/2/44.
[Promoted to command of RAF 239 Wing, which included RAAF 3 & 450 squadrons.]

5 Sep 1943. 1st targets in mainland Europe. Flying 12 sorties a day from Sicily; hit German targets in Italy .

BASE 67). GROTTAGLIE
14 Sep 1943 - 23 Sep 1943

BASE 68). BARI
23 Sep 1943 - 3 Oct 1943

15 Sep 1943.
First touchdown in Italy. An advance party began setting up a new base at Grottaglie, thereby "invading Europe". 3 Squadron became the first full Allied squadron to attack from an Italian continental base - helping to break the perilous Nazi siege of the Allied Salerno beach-head.

BASE 69). FOGGIA MAIN
3 Oct 1943 - 26 Oct 1943

BASE 70). MILENI
26 Oct 1943 - 4 Jan 1944

13 Oct 1943.
Italy joins Allied forces. Italy's change from foe to friend encouraged welcome help from (very brave) civilians for pilots who were stranded behind the Fascist lines, and for escaping POWs.

BASE 71). CUTELLA
4 Jan 1944 - 24 May 1944

13 Jan 1944.
Thousand-pound bombs used. FLTLT Jack Doyle hits his target with the Squadron's first 1,000 lb bomb. Kittyhawks later lifted 2 x 500lb. bombs plus 1 x 1,000lb. (Previously, only 250lb. bombs generally used.)

     16 -17 Feb 1944.
Monte Cassino attacks. SQNLDR Brian Eaton led 12 Kittyhawks in the first bomb-strikes on the world-famous Monastery, which psychologically dominated the Cassino valley. (Ironically it was not occupied by the Germans at the time.)

COMMANDING OFFICER
SQNLDR P. Murray Nash DFC
22/2/44 - 18/4/44

COMMANDING OFFICER
SQNLDR Rex H. Bayly DFC
18/4/44 - 29/10/44

     5 May 1944.
Pescara River Dam-Busting. 12 Kittyhawks participated in a dive-bombing attack, along with No.260 RAF and No.5 SAAF Sqns., using 2,000 lb bomb-loads to successfully breach sluice gates of the hydro-electric dam.

18 May 1944.
Monte Cassino falls. After over four months of unrelenting land and air attack, the Benedictines' Monastery (now a rubble pile defended bitterly by the German paratroops) fell.

BASE 72). SAN ANGELO
24 May 1944 - 13 Jun 1944

24 May 1944. Goodbye to Cutella. After nearly five months of occupancy at Cutella, the Squadron's departure completed their longest (and incidentally, most uncomfortable) period of operations from the one airfield, since 3SQN's war began in 1940.

BASE 73). GUIDONIA
13 Jun 1944 - 23 Jun 1944

BASE 74). FALERIUM
24 Jun 1944 - 9 Jul 1944

BASE 75). CRETI, Italy. (Confusingly, also spelt "Crete" in some records. NOT to be confused with the Greek island of the same name.)
(Near village of Creti, Italy.)
10 Jul 1944 - 24 Aug 1944

BASE 76). IESI (A.K.A. "Jesi".)
25 Aug 1944 - 10 Sep 1944

BASE 77). FOIANO
11 Sep 1944 - 19 Sep 1944

COMMANDING OFFICER
SQNLDR P. Murray Nash DFC and Bar.
29/10/44 - 16/12/45.
[SQNLDR Ken A. Richards DFC and Bar Standing-in Feb/Mar 1945]

BASE 78). Back to IESI
20 Sep 1944 - 18 Nov 1944

BASE 79). FANO
18 Nov 1944 - 26 Feb 1945

13 Nov 1944.
Capable New Aircraft. First P51 Mustang arrived; 11 more arrived during next 5 days.

16 Nov 1944.
Last Kitty flown. Last operational missions flown in Kittyhawks.

1 Jan 1945.
Napalm bombs introduced. Wing orders to equip Mustangs with 750lb napalm bombs for pin-point bombing at 100 ft height against rail and road targets.

BASE 80). CERVIA
26 Feb 1945 - 17 May 1945

5 May 1945.
Last 3SQN operations of WWII. Reconnaissance of Fiume, Trieste and Udine areas.

Since November 1940, the Squadron had claimed 217 confirmed aerial victories [NB: revised down later by 25], 63 probable, and 141 damaged, making it the highest-scoring British Commonwealth squadron in the Mediterranean theatre of operations.
- In raids on enemy airfields it completely destroyed 29 aircraft on the ground, and damaged a similar number.
- In ground-attack operations, 709 motor vehicles (and 87 horse-drawn) and 11 enemy Armoured Fighting Vehicles were claimed destroyed.
12 locomotives and 325 rail-cars were claimed.
- The Squadron scored 73 direct dive-bombing hits on bridges (very difficult and vital targets) and more than 800 other ground targets, including roads, railways, buildings (e.g. pinpoint raids on German headquarters) and enemy artillery.
- Also one large dam was “busted” to prevent the Germans using its water as a weapon.
- In strikes over the sea, 54 vessels of varying sizes were sunk, including 10 ships of more than 1,000 tons each.

26 May 1945.
"Victory in Europe" fly-past. 239 Wing led the Desert Air Force in the victory fly-past at Campoformido.

7 Sep 1945.
Depart for Australia. Embarked on 'Winchester Castle' at Taranto before embarking on 'Stratheden' from Egypt 20 days later .

30 July 1946.
3 Squadron disbanded. The squadron was disbanded in Melbourne after completing its WWII service.

LATE 1940s and into THE JET AGE

COMMANDING OFFICER
SQNLDR T. H. H. Saunders
8/3/48 - 1/6/49

COMMANDING OFFICER
FLTLT J. W. Hubble      (Promoted SQNLDR 20/11/51. Awarded AFC)
1/6/49 - 16/5/52

     8 Mar 1948. Re-Formation. Named 3 (Tactical Reconnaissance) Squadron. Based at Fairbairn, A.C.T. with 9 Mustangs, 8 Austers, 2 Wirraways.

Nov '50 to Aug '51. Australian domestic operations in the Korean-War Era . Darwin: Operation "Gay Jabiru"; Townsville: "Barrier Reef".

Dec 1951. Redesignation. Became "3 (Fighter Reconnaissance) Squadron".

COMMANDING OFFICER
FLTLT H. R. Baldwin
16/5/52 - 12/5/53

COMMANDING OFFICER
FLTLT G. L. Waller
12/5/53 - 15/6/53

15 Jun 1953.
Redesignation. Became "3 (Day Fighter/Ground Attack) Squadron". Army Co-operation Auster aircraft transferred to Army.

COMMANDING OFFICER
SQNLDR F. W. "Fred" Barnes DFC, AFC
1/3/56 - 13/1/58

BASE 83). WILLIAMTOWN, NSW
17 Mar 1956 - 9 Nov 1958

Mar 1956.
Re-Formation Re-designated as "3 (Fighter) Squadron" at Williamtown, NSW. Taking over from the "Sabre Trials Flight", 3SQN was equipped with 16 CAC27 Avon Sabres during next 3 months. The first operational RAAF Sabre squadron.

Jun 1956.
Speed record created. FLTLT J. Arthurson created a new Laverton to Williamtown speed record of 44 minutes and 25 seconds. This was broken several months later by FLGOFF N Raffin (42 minutes 10 seconds).

COMMANDING OFFICER
WGCDR C. G. Thomas DFC
13/1/58 - 24/4/61

Jun 1958.
Training aircraft. A two-seat T35 Vampire arrived; used for instrument training and utility work.

15 Oct 1958.
Move to Malaya. Ground personnel began moving out. 12 days later Sabres began flying to Butterworth via Darwin. Move completed by mid-November.

13 Aug 1959.
Strike on "C.T." guerrilla camps. 6 Sabres dropped their 500lb HE bombs on 3 terrorist areas.

26 Nov 1959.
Manila Airshow. Detachment flew via Saigon to Clark AF base, Philippines to participate in International Airshow.

Dec 1959.
"Hose-down" ceremony started. FLGOFF Conn achieved 1,000 hours on Sabres. Champagne toast at flight line followed by a hose-down became standard procedure for all pilots achieving 1,000 hours or multiples.

Apr 1960.
First Sidewinder fired. FLTLT V. Oborn fired the Squadron's first Sidewinder missile.

Jun 1960.
Attacks on insurgents. FLTLT J. Newham led Sabre attacks on Communist camps.

COMMANDING OFFICER
WGCDR R. H. Glassop, DFC and Bar
24/4/61 - 29/1/62

11 Sep 1962.
Pilot killed on takeoff. Sabre pilot FLTLT R. E. Offord ejected following multiple bird-strikes on takeoff, but was too low for his parachute to open.

COMMANDING OFFICER
WGCDR R. M. Hanstein
29/1/62 - 3/1/64

9 Oct 1963.
C.O. resorts to "bang seat". WGCDR Hanstein's Sabre (A94- 967) entered an uncontrolled spin at 35,000 ft during a "4x4 Air Combat Manoeuvring" exercise 12 miles northeast of RAAF Butterworth. He rode the spin down to 10,000 ft but was unable to recover and ejected at 170 kts (still spinning). Rod landed in rubber tree, sustaining minor injuries to his elbows. His life-saving parachute had been packed by LAC R. Hetherington.

Sep 1963.
Strip alert. The possibility of Indonesian aggression against Malaysia required a full-time alert. Two fully-armed aircraft ready to take off throughout daylight hours.

19 Dec 1963.
Sabre abandoned in-flight. FLGOFF M. L. Nosworthy ejected at 10,000 ft and 250 kts over water, near Butterworth, after experiencing multiple control and system failures in Sabre A94-947. Pilot recovered safely.

Dec '63 to Jan '64.
Alert scramble sorties. The developing confrontation against Indonesia resulted in several scrambles being activated but without fatal action being taken against the Indonesian aircraft.

COMMANDING OFFICER
WGCDR E. W. Tonkin OBE
3/1/64 - 14/1/66

5 Sep 1964.
Indonesian Confrontation. Most personnel and Sabres transferred to RAF base at Changi to boost defence of Singapore; half stayed approx 1 month. For next few years, Squadron was often split over different bases.

COMMANDING OFFICER
WGCDR R. E. Frost
14/1/66 - 24/7/66

COMMANDING OFFICER
WGCDR K. A. Martin DFC
24/7/66 -

COMMANDING OFFICER
SQNLDR J. S. Puleston-Jones
1966

12 Aug 1966.
Alert rosters cancelled. The Indonesian Confrontation declared over.

10 Sep 1966.
50th birthday. Parade and hanger party to celebrate at Butterworth base.

31 Jan 1967.
Last Sabre operational flight. FLTLT J. Jacobsen flew last 3SQN Sabre mission at Butterworth.

16 Feb 1967.
Return to Williamtown. 4,060 mile flight via Changi, Denpasar, Darwin, Townsville was safely completed.

COMMANDING OFFICER
WGCDR Vance DRUMMOND DFC, AFC
2/2/67 - 17/5/67 (*Killed in training accident.)

May 1967.
Convert to Mirages. Sabre personnel were retrained on new ground-attack "Lizard" Mirage IIIOs, over several months. Conversion courses were undertaken at 2OCU.

17 May 1967.
*Commanding Officer's Crash. The CO, WGCDR V. Drummond, was killed whilst training in a brand-new 2OCU Mirage.

COMMANDING OFFICER
WGCDR "Jake" W. NEWHAM
3/7/67 - 11/10/68

27 Jul 1967.
New aircraft. The new CO, WGCDR Jake Newham, delivered the first 3 Squadron Mirage from Avalon to Williamtown. Three more arrived during the next seven days, although there were now 10 pilots to fly them.

25 Sep 1968.
First 3SQN Mirage lost. FLGOFF Marty Susans successfully ejected from 20,000 ft after mechanical failure caused a flame-out. (His battered ejection seat is today displayed in Fighterworld, Williamtown.)

COMMANDING OFFICER
WGCDR E. A. "Ted" RADFORD
11/10/68 - 27/12/70

30 Oct 1968.
A spectacular own-goal! No.3 Squadron's history is replete with record numbers of enemy aircraft "shot down". - However the "last" aerial victory (to date), in this glorious series, is unfortunately an example of a 3SQN Mirage shooting itself down! FLTLT B. Roberts in Mirage III-O A3-70 was practicing air-to-ground gunnery at the Salt Ash Weapons Range (12 nautical miles north-north-east of RAAF Williamtown). A ricocheting projectile was ingested by the Mirage's engine. Roberts ejected at 2,800 ft and 210 kts and landed with only minor injuries.

BASE 86). Back to BUTTERWORTH, Malaysia
17 Feb 1969 - 31 Mar 1986

14 Feb 1969.
Butterworth again. 25 aircraft and support personnel began move to Butterworth, where they operated alongside 75 Squadron. Regular detachments to Singapore (RAF Tengah) began; continued for the next 22 years with regular rotations of personnel between Williamtown and Butterworth. The detachments came under the ANZUK Defence System.

Aug 1969.
Mirages to the Philippines. In August 1969 two Mirages were flown via Phan Rang, South Vietnam, to Clark AFB in the Philippines where they spent several days evaluating an American "Electronic Countermeasures" pod for training.

Jun 1970.
1st 1,000 hrs in Mirage. FLTLT J. Dereyter was first 3SQN pilot to log 1,000 Mirage hours.

COMMANDING OFFICER
WGCDR Peter J. SCULLY
27/12/70 - 10/1/73

Dec 1970.
Tail colours adopted. Red/black flash with "frill neck lizard" used for Squadron Mirage tails. (Derived from their "Lizard" ground-attack camouflage scheme.)

COMMANDING OFFICER
WGCDR Richard. J. BOMBALL AFC
10/1/73 - 1/12/74

16 Nov 1973. 1st 2,000 hrs in Mirage. FLTLT Geoff L "Speedy" Colman was 1st in RAAF to log 2,000 Mirage hours.

Dec 1974.
Tail colours changed. 3 Squadron badge on tail adopted; Southern Cross on rudder too.

6 Jul 1976.
Runway tragedy. - Two Mirages and one pilot lost. 3SQN Mirage pilot FLTLT Perry J. KELLY was killed when a 75 Squadron Mirage (flown by FLTLT Paul KAYE) landed on top of Kelly's fighter (A3-26).
Kelly had been holding for takeoff at the end of Butterworth runway. The 75SQN Mirage (A3-64) skidded down the field and broke into pieces, but Kaye survived without severe physical injury.
To date, this is the "LAST" 3 Squadron service fatality (now over four decades ago).

COMMANDING OFFICER
WGCDR Bruce G. GRAYSON
14/3/77 - 7/3/79

10 May 1977.
Trophy awarded. Squadron won the Kittyhawk Trophy for weapons efficiency.

6 Dec 1977.
Ejection drama. Flying Officer Brenton Crowhurst was coming in for a night landing at Butterworth when his Mirage experienced engine failure. He turned towards the sea to avoid crashing on the base and ejected, landing on the beach and suffering only a sprained ankle. (To date this is the "LAST" 3 Squadron aircraft lost on Operations. - The exceptional safe period since 1977 provides outstanding proof of 3 Squadron's high maintenance standards and capable flying over multiple decades.)

COMMANDING OFFICER
WGCDR K. J. BRICKNELL
7/3/79 - 16/6/81

COMMANDING OFFICER
WGCDR Richard B. GREGORY AFC
16/6/81 - 10/8/83

COMMANDING OFFICER
WGCDR R. J. CONROY
10/8/83 - 16/6/84

1 Oct 1983.
A "new" aircraft type. A Caribou ("The Grumbling Green Gravel Truck") became a useful transporter (complete with a 3 Squadron emblem), supporting Squadron operations, the Royal NZ Army band and the Butterworth football team.

COMMANDING OFFICER
WGCDR Bruce R. WOOD
16/6/84 - 31/3/86

       25 Oct 1984.
New missiles.    The Matra 550 'Magic' missile first fired by CO WGCDR B. Wood.

13 Jan 1986.
New Hornets on show. Two F/A-18 Hornets from 2 OCU Williamtown visited Butterworth.

31 Mar 1986.
Malaysia close-down. 3 Squadron concluded its long occupancy in the Malaysia / Singapore region, ending an eventful 28-year commitment. All aircraft, equipment and most personnel (over 250) immediately were re-named "79 (Phoenix") Squadron".

31 Mar 1986.
Building the new F/A-18 Squadron. 3 Squadron ceased to exist for a few hours, until re-formed later on the same day at Williamtown with three officers and 36 other ranks. The new C.O., WGCDR Bruce Mouatt, began his Hornet conversion course and re-building Squadron's assets & people.

COMMANDING OFFICER
WGCDR Bruce. J. S. MOUATT AM
31/3/86 - 14/12/87

29 Aug 1986
F/A-18 Hornets arrive. Two Hornets (flown by WGCDR Bruce Mouatt and SQNLDR Ross Fox) were delivered from Avalon to Williamtown. 3 Squadron became the First RAAF Operational Squadron on F/A-18s.

8-12 Sep 1986
'60 Minutes' TV program. 3 Squadron (now with 10 pilots) worked with TV producers to demonstrate Australia's newly-acquired high-technology aircraft.

25 Jun 1987
1st two-seater F/A-18. Highly-valued (for training) dual seater arrived. Squadron strength was now 152 personnel and settled at Williamtown.

Feb 1988.
Hornet versus Honda. Covered by TV cameras, Wayne Gardner's 500cc GP Honda motorbike raced a Hornet over a 1/4 mile sprint. The Hornet won.

23 May 1988.
Mach 1.6 achieved. (Whoops!) Three Hornets (nameless pilots) accelerated over southern NSW; caused broken windows & earthquake reports; CO not amused.

16 May 1990
The 75th and last Australian-produced Hornet, A21-57, was delivered to the RAAF in 3SQN markings, A lavish ceremony was held at Fairbairn RAAF Base, Canberra, to mark the occasion.

10 Sep 1990
Sentimental visit to Butterworth. For 40 days of exercises, 10 Hornets and support personnel returned to Butterworth for the first time since the Mirage days. Deployments to Butterworth have now become a regular feature of the Squadron's calendar, as have exercises in New Zealand, other parts of SE Asia, and the USA.

COMMANDING OFFICER
WGCDR Brenton P. CROWHURST
12/1/93 - 5/5/95

13 October, 1994
The "LAST" aircraft downed by 3SQN: A 3SQN Hornet [A21-53] and a Royal Malaysian Air Force F5E collided during a training exercise over the sea, south-west of Butterworth air base. Both pilots took avoiding action, but the RMAF aircraft sustained major damage and its pilot ejected. [Unharmed: Lt. M. B. MOHAMAD, rescued by helicopter 1½ hours later.] The 3SQN pilot managed to nurse his damaged Hornet back to Butterworth. [FLTLT Andrew GILLESPIE. - We’re unsure if he was awarded a “kill” for this mission!]

COMMANDING OFFICER
WGCDR K. W. RUSHWORTH CSM
5/5/95 - 7/3/97

COMMANDING OFFICER
WGCDR Geoff. C. BROWN
7/3/97 - 13/12/99
[Later Chief of Air Force.]

COMMANDING OFFICER
WGCDR Neil C. HART
13/12/99 - 1/3/2003

COMMANDING OFFICER
WGCDR Mike KITCHER
1/3/2003 - 09/12/2005

COMMANDING OFFICER
WGCDR Vincent ("Joe") IERVASI OAM
09/12/2005 - 12/12/2008

COMMANDING OFFICER
WGCDR Terry van HAREN DSM
12/12/2008 to Dec 2011

COMMANDING OFFICER
WGCDR Tim ALSOP
Dec 2011 to Dec 2014

COMMANDING OFFICER
WGCDR John M. HALY CSC
Dec 2014 to Dec 2017

RECENT YEARS

The decades of peacetime service at the RAAF's "Hornet Nest" in Williamtown saw a continuation of regular "exercise" deployments to Northern Australia and overseas. The "Classic" F/A-18 remained in service with 3SQN up to December 2017, with many upgrades to avionics and weapons along the way.

The Squadron recorded "nil losses of F-18s" over the 31 years that these aircraft were operated by 3SQN. This was a magnificent testimony to the Squadron's Engineering and Maintenance prowess and the flying skills of the aircrew. [And a little good luck!]

Many spectacular airshows have also been staged to commemorate 3 Squadron's birthdays and other public events, including the Squadron's significant 100th Anniversary in 2016.

BATTLE HONOUR: In its Centenary Year of 2016 the Squadron also dropped its first bombs "in anger" since 1959, when deployed over Iraq and Syria for Operation OKRA.

8 Dec 2017
Last 3SQN F/A-18 Operation. Ten "Classic" F/A-18 fighters of 3 Squadron flew an elegant tight "3" formation over RAAF Williamtown. These aircraft were then handed-over to 75 and 77 Squadrons.

COMMANDING OFFICER
WGCDR Darren CLARE
Dec 2017 to Aug 2020

COMMANDING OFFICER
WGCDR Matthew HARPER CSC, DSM
Aug 2020 to Dec 2021

COMMANDING OFFICER
WGCDR Adrian KIELY CSC
Dec 2021 to Present Day

BASE 88). Luke AFB, Phoenix Arizona, USA. Personnel for the new "Joint Strike Fighter" incarnation of 3SQN were trained in various locations in the USA during 2018, centred on PHOENIX AZ, before re-establishing at WILLIAMTOWN.

BASE 89) Return to Australia. WILLIAMTOWN NSW became 3SQN's home once again.
10 Dec 2018 to Present Day.

10 December 2018. RAAF F-35 Pioneers.
3 Squadron was the FIRST RAAF Squadron to introduce the F-35 strike fighter to operational service, at Williamtown.

After becoming fully-operational at Williamtown, 3 Squadron then played an ongoing mentoring role, sequentially "standing-up" each of the other three F-35 squadrons in the RAAF sequentially, acting as a source of trained and experienced F-35 ground staff and pilots in each case.

Trans-oceanic training deployments have continued to facilitate valuable training and integration with Allies.

3 Squadron is now recording top performance in its duties - a vital component of our Nation's defence.
(They have collected the RAAF's annual Kittyhawk Trophy quite a few times!)

- 3 Squadron HISTORIC DATES -

- COMMANDING OFFICERS -

- CAMPAIGN MAPS and BASES -

HISTORIC DATES - WORLD WAR I:

BETWEEN THE WARS:

WORLD WAR II:

LATE 1940s and into THE JET AGE