80 years ago, 3 (F) Squadron Royal Air Force were at the forefront of operations against the deadly V-1 missile. Launched from sites in occupied Europe, the pilotless missiles inflicted heavy casualties and damage, principally across the south of the UK.
From June to August 1944 the Squadron was based at RAF Newchurch, equipped with the Hawker Tempest aircraft as part of 150 Wing and destroyed at least 300 V-1s, far more than any other squadron. It is likely that the Squadron saved thousands of people from injury and death.
Today's Officer Commanding 3 (Fighter) Squadron, Wing Commander Sonny Roe said:
"I'm extremely proud of what our Squadron has done for more than 100 years. The anti-V1 campaign is one of many moments that stand out, defending British skies and interests and saving lives. This is still what we do to this day"
Today 3 (F) Squadron is based at Royal Air Force Coningsby and forms part of the Typhoon Force. The pilots of today's 3 (F) Squadron undertake many operational roles including Quick Reaction Alert, guarding the UK's skies as their predecessors did in the Tempest during 1944.
Commander Air Wing Typhoon, Group Captain Billy Cooper said:
"We have a proud tradition of adapting our methods of operation to counter emerging threats, in 1944 the RAF had to be ready to fly and fight to counter a new technology, there are recent examples of the Typhoon Force doing exactly the same thing. We have demonstrated that we have countered contemporary and emerging threats and that we will have the same ability to do so in the future."
