3 Squadron SAAF

3 Squadron SAAF was a squadron of the South African Air Force. It was formed in January 1939 at Air Force Base Waterkloof and was equipped with Hawker Hartbees I and Hurricane Mk II aircraft. The squadron was moved to Port Elizabeth in September 1939 after which it was disbanded. It was again reformed at Waterkloof on 9 September 1940 equipped with Hurricane Mk 1s.

3 Squadron
Mirage F1CZs in formation
Active1940 to 30 September 1992
Country South Africa
AllegianceSouth Africa
Branch South African Air Force
RoleFighter Sqn
Garrison/HQAFB Waterkloof
Nickname(s)Fighting Wasps
Motto(s)Semper Pugnans (Always Fighting)[1]
EquipmentMirage F1AZ
EngagementsSouth African Border War
Commanders
Ceremonial chiefPik Botha
Last Officer CommandingCmdt W.J Hartogh
Insignia
Squadron Identification CodeCA (1939–1945)[2] (Squadron OC: Maj C.A. Golding flew with personal identification code CAG in 1944-1945[3])
Squadron Crest

History

The squadron was involved in fighting in East Africa flying Hurricanes and Gladiator Mk IIs, In December 1942 the squadron was sent to the Middle East and flew fighter defence over the port of Aden with Hurricane 11c and Spitfire V aircraft, coastal patrols were also flown from North Africa. In August 1944, 3 Squadron was sent to Italy top join No. 8 Wing SAAF[4] and was re-equipped with Spitfire IXs. The squadron was disbanded following the end of the Second World War.

Three Squadron was again reformed at Baragwanath Airport on 6 September 1952 as a part-time citizen force unit flying Harvards, but disbanded once again in 1957. In August 1966 the squadron was reformed at AFB Waterkloof as a unit under the control of 2 Squadron, equipped with Mirage IIIEZs.

In February 1970 the unit received squadron colours and in the same year, was supplied with Mirage IIIDZ's and Mirage F1CZ's in April 1975 when its Mirage IIIEZ, DZ and D2Z aircraft were transferred to 85 Advanced Flying School. The squadron continued to operate the Mirage F1CZ from Waterkloof AFB with frequent deployments to South-West Africa during the Namibian War of Independence. Three Squadron was disbanded when the Mirage F1CZs were retired on 30 September 1992.

World War II deployment
  • January – December 1941: Fighter squadron, East Africa[5]
  • 1942: South Africa[5]
  • January 1943 – August 1944: Shipping patrols, North Africa[5]
  • August 1944 – September 1945: Ground attack, Italy[5]

Aircraft
Aircraft flown by 3 Squadron
Note: Aircraft type photographs may not necessarily represent aircraft of the same mark or actual aircraft belonging to the Squadron.
  • Hawker Hartbees or Hartebeeste I
    1939
  • Gloster Gladiator Mk II
    1939
  • Hawker Hurricane Mk I
    1941
  • Curtis P-40 Kittyhawk
    1941
  • Hawker Hurricane Mk IIC
    1943–44
  • Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX
    1944–45
  • North American T-6 Harvard
    1952–1957
  • Mirage III
    1966–1975
  • Mirage F1CZ
    1975–1992
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References
  1. "South African Air Force website". 3 Squadron.
  2. Martin, H.J. Lt-Gen; Orpen, N.D. (1978). Eagles Victorious: South African Forces World War II. Cape Town: Purnell. p. 335. ISBN 0-86843-008-0.
  3. Flintham, Vic (2003). Combat Codes. Barnesly: Pen & Sword Aviation. p. 229. ISBN 978-1-84415-691-7.
  4. H.J Martin, Neil Orpen (1977). Eagles Victorious: The S.A.A.F. in Italy and the Mediterranean: 1943 - 1945. Cape Town: Purnell. p. 231. ISBN 0-86843-008-0.
  5. "History of War". No. 3 Squadron (SAAF): Second World War. Retrieved 10 September 2011.

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