No. 3 Squadron (RAF)

No. 3 Squadron (RAF). No. 3 Squadron of the Royal Air Force is one of the oldest and most distinguished units in British military aviation, having been formed at RAF Larkhill in May 1912. Operating the advanced Eurofighter Typhoon from RAF Coningsby, the squadron serves as a multi-role combat unit within No. 1 Group (RAF). Its illustrious history spans conflicts from the First World War to contemporary operations over the Middle East, consistently demonstrating elite combat prowess.

History

The squadron's origins trace to the Royal Flying Corps, where it was initially equipped with a mix of aircraft like the Bleriot XI and saw early service in France during the First World War, engaging in reconnaissance and artillery spotting during pivotal battles such as the Somme and Arras. In the interwar period, it served in the Army Co-operation role before transitioning to fighters, flying the Gloster Gladiator at the outbreak of the Second World War. During that conflict, it fought in the Battle of France, the Battle of Britain from RAF Wick and RAF Turnhouse, and later supported the Allied invasion of Sicily and campaigns in Italy with Spitfires. Post-war, it operated jet aircraft like the Gloster Meteor in West Germany during the Cold War, later transitioning to the Hawker Hunter and English Electric Lightning. In the 1970s, it became the first RAF Germany squadron to operate the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, a role it maintained through the 1980s. The squadron was re-equipped with the Panavia Tornado in 1987, undertaking crucial ground-attack missions during the Gulf War and later in the Iraq War. It converted to the Eurofighter Typhoon in 2006 and has since been actively engaged in Quick Reaction Alert duties and air-to-ground missions as part of Operation Shader against ISIL targets.

Aircraft operated

The squadron has operated a vast array of aircraft throughout its history. Early types included the Bleriot XI, B.E.2, and Sopwith Camel during the First World War. The interwar and Second World War years saw service with the Armstrong Whitworth Siskin, Hawker Hart, Gloster Gladiator, and notably the Supermarine Spitfire through multiple marks. Post-war jet propulsion began with the Gloster Meteor F.3 and F.8, followed by the Hawker Hunter F.4 and F.6, and the English Electric Lightning F.2 and F.6. It operated the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II FGR.2 from 1976, before transitioning to the Panavia Tornado GR.1, GR.4, and F.3 variants. Since 2006, its primary aircraft has been the Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4.

Notable personnel

The squadron has been associated with many notable aviators. Among its early commanders was Major Robert Smith-Barry, a pivotal figure in developing systematic Royal Flying Corps training. High-scoring First World War ace Alan Wilkinson achieved many of his victories while serving with the unit. In the Second World War, notable members included Squadron Leader James MacLachlan, a highly decorated fighter pilot who flew despite having an artificial arm, and Wing Commander Paddy Finucane, one of the RAF's top fighter aces. Later, individuals such as John Nichol, a Tornado navigator shot down and captured during the Gulf War, brought public attention to the squadron's modern combat experiences.

Squadron badges and markings

The squadron's badge, approved by King George VI in 1937, features an ostrich, a symbol chosen to reflect the unit's early role in Army Co-operation and its speed across terrain. The motto "Tertius primus erit" ("The third shall be first") underscores its competitive spirit and pursuit of excellence. Historically, its aircraft have carried the squadron codes "AZ" during the Second World War. Modern Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft from the squadron often carry a small ostrich badge near the cockpit and may display mission markings from contemporary conflicts like Operation Shader.

Bases and deployments

The squadron was formed at RAF Larkhill on Salisbury Plain. Its first operational deployment was to France in 1914. Key bases between the wars included RAF Upavon and RAF Hawkinge. During the Second World War, it operated from numerous stations including RAF Biggin Hill, RAF Manston, and RAF Martlesham Heath. Post-war, it was a mainstay of RAF Germany, being based at RAF Gütersloh and RAF Laarbruch for decades. With the drawdown from Germany, it moved to RAF Leuchars in Scotland in 1992. Since converting to the Eurofighter Typhoon, its home has been RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, from where it deploys on exercises across Europe and operational missions to theaters such as the Middle East.

Category:Royal Air Force aircraft squadrons Category:Military units and formations established in 1912