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3 (F) Squadron

The first front-line RAF Squadron to operate the Eurofighter Typhoon and a key part of the RAF’s mission to respond to threats to UK airspace.

The third shall be the first

This is a reference to the fact that No 3 Squadron, RFC, was the first to be equipped with heavier-than-air machines, a monolith, a cockatrice - approved by King George VI in September 1937. The cockatrice was chosen because in mythology it was the first creature to fly.

About

  • Based at RAF Coningsby, one of two Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) stations in the UK
  • The first British, Empire or Commonwealth independent military unit to operate heavier-than-air flying machines
  • The Squadron badge, as approved by King George VI in September 1937, bears the annotation 'Fighter Squadron'. The current badge, on the Squadron Standard, says 'Squadron' only 
  • Former aircraft include the Hurricane I, Javelin FAW4 and Harrier GR1 and GR5
  • Provided air defence for the London 2012 Olympics - the first time RAF fighters have been stationed in London since World War Two

History

1911 - Formed at Larkhill as No.2 (Aeroplane) Company, Air Battalion, Royal Engineers.

1912 - Renamed No.3 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps.

1935 - Deployed to Sudan during the Abyssinian crisis.

1999 - Took part in Operation ALLIED FORCE over Kosovo.

2006 - Moved to RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire.

Based at

RAF Coningsby

Battle honours

Western Front 1914-1918*

Mons*

Neuve Chapelle

Loos

Somme 1916

Cambrai 1917

Somme 1918*

Hindenburg Line

France and Low Countries 1940*

Battle of Britain 1940*

Home Defence 1940-1945

Fortress Europe 1942-1944

Channel and North Sea 1943-1945

Normandy 1944*

Arnhem*

Rhine

France and Germany 1944-1945*

Iraq 2003*

Libya 2011

(Honours marked with an asterisk, may be emblazoned on the Squadron Standard)

Flying

Typhoon FGR4

Contact

Please contact the home station Media Communications team for more information or to contact the Squadron

Media enquiries details for RAF Coningsby