No. 3 Squadron RAF

No. 3 Squadron RAF
Unit name	No. 3 Squadron RAF
Caption	Badge and Ensign
Dates	1912–1919; 1923–present
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	Royal Air Force
Type	Reconnaissance and bomber squadron
Role	Strike, reconnaissance, electronic warfare
Garrison	RAF Coningsby
Nickname	Three Squadron
Motto	"Irruimus" ("We attack")
Equipment	Eurofighter Typhoon
Battle honours	France and Flanders 1914–1918; Battle of Britain; El Alamein; Gulf 1991; Iraq 2003
Identification symbol	Two birds volant affronté

No. 3 Squadron RAF is a long-serving squadron of the Royal Air Force with origins in the Royal Flying Corps before the First World War. The unit has operated a succession of types for reconnaissance, fighter, bomber and strike roles, taking part in major campaigns including the Battle of the Somme, the Battle of Britain, the Western Desert campaign, the Falklands War, the Gulf War (1991), and the Iraq War. The squadron is based at RAF Coningsby and operates the Eurofighter Typhoon in air defence and strike configurations, maintaining NATO commitments including rotations to NATO Air Policing.

History

Formed in 1912 within the Royal Flying Corps, the squadron deployed to the Western Front during the First World War where it undertook reconnaissance over the Battle of Mons and the Battle of the Somme, flying types such as the BE2c and RE8. Postwar demobilisation led to disbandment and reformation in the 1920s; during the interwar period the unit operated from RAF Northolt and participated in policing operations related to the Anglo-Irish Treaty era. Re-equipped between Hawker Hart and Hawker Fury types, the squadron transitioned to monoplanes before the Second World War. In 1939–1940 it converted to the Hawker Hurricane and fought in the Battle of Britain from RAF Tangmere and RAF Biggin Hill, later moving to North Africa for the Western Desert campaign and participating in battles such as El Alamein. Post-1945 the unit re-roled several times, flying jet aircraft such as the Gloster Meteor, Hawker Hunter, English Electric Lightning, and McDonnell Douglas Phantom FGR.2 during the Cold War. In the 1970s–1990s it flew the SEPECAT Jaguar in strike and reconnaissance roles, deploying to RAF Bruggen and forward bases in Saudi Arabia and Cairo for operations including Operation Granby and Operation Telic. In the 21st century the squadron converted to the Eurofighter Typhoon at RAF Coningsby, participating in Operation Shader and NATO air policing over the Baltic States.

Aircraft and equipment

Throughout its history the squadron has flown a broad range of types: Bristol Scout, Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2, Royal Aircraft Factory R.E.8, Airco DH.4, Hawker Hart, Hawker Fury, Gloster Gauntlet, Hawker Hurricane, Supermarine Spitfire (for some detachments), Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, Hawker Typhoon ground-attack variants, Gloster Meteor F.4, Hawker Hunter F.6, English Electric Lightning F.3, McDonnell Douglas Phantom FGR.2, SEPECAT Jaguar GR.1, reconnaissance pods such as the TIALD targeting pod, and the Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4 with advanced sensors including the CAPTOR radar and ECS (Electronic Combat System). Support equipment has included the Rapier missile elements at times for airfield defence and containerised electronic warfare suites for suppression of enemy air defenses operations.

Operational deployments and roles

The squadron’s roles have included aerial reconnaissance over the Western Front, fighter interception during the Battle of Britain, ground-attack in the North African campaign, close air support in the Falklands War, and coalition strike in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Peacetime and NATO duties have included NATO Air Policing over the Baltic States, Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) intercepts from RAF Akrotiri to counter incursions near Cyprus, and expeditionary deployments supporting Operation Shader against ISIL from bases such as Al Udeid Airbase and RAFO Musannah. The unit has also provided forward air control, maritime interdiction, and training detachments to RAF Lossiemouth, RAF Lakenheath, and RAF Leuchars.

Notable engagements and honours

Decorations and mentions include squadron citations for actions during the First World War, battle honours for France and Flanders, the Battle of Britain honour, and recognition for contributions at El Alamein. Individual members have received awards such as the Victoria Cross in associated contemporaneous squadrons, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Distinguished Service Order, and the Air Force Cross for actions in both world wars and postwar operations. The squadron participated in the Gulf War (1991) air campaign under Operation Granby and in Operation Telic during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, earning operational commendations from RAF Strike Command and coalition partners including United States Central Command.

Squadron organisation and bases

Organisationally the squadron has been part of formations including No. 1 Group RAF, No. 11 Group RAF, and deployments under RAF Strike Command and Joint Force Air Component. Bases have included RAF Farnborough (formation), RAF Gosport, RAF Northolt, RAF Tangmere, RAF Biggin Hill, RAF Luqa (Malta), RAF Kabrit (Suez Canal Zone), RAF Habbaniya (Iraq), RAF Bruggen (Germany), and contemporary stationing at RAF Coningsby. It has operated detached flights at RAF Akrotiri, RAF Akrotiri, RAF Lossiemouth, and maintenance support from MOD Boscombe Down. Squadron flights have been designated A, B and C at various times and embedded within combined wings on overseas operations.

Commanding officers and personnel

Commanding officers have included prewar Royal Flying Corps leaders, Second World War squadron leaders who later joined RAF Fighter Command staff, Cold War commanders posted to NATO roles, and modern commanders with joint-service experience in Operation Herrick and Operation Shader. Notable personnel associated by service, exchange, or command include aces, test pilots, and staff officers who went on to senior appointments in Air Council and appointments at Ministry of Defence. The squadron’s cadre has included pilots trained at No. 1 Flying Training School and navigators from Empire Test Pilots' School.

Cultural significance and memorials

The squadron’s insignia and motto appear on memorials at RAF Coningsby and at squadron association monuments in Yorkshire and on the Air Forces Memorial at Runnymede. Commemorative events occur alongside RAF100 celebrations and anniversaries marking engagements such as the Battle of Britain Day. Squadron artifacts are held by the Royal Air Force Museum and local museums in Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire, and veterans’ associations maintain histories published with charities such as The Royal British Legion. Annual remembrance services are held with participation from civic leaders and representatives of NATO embassies including delegations from United States Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, and Royal Canadian Air Force.

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