3(F) Squadron Association is the official former comrades association of
No. 3(Fighter) Squadron, Royal Air Force. Membership of the Association is open to those of all Ranks, Trades and Services who have ever been posted, or attached to the Squadron strength at any time since its formation on 13 May 1912. For membership form click on this link Mem form
Aims of 3(F) Squadron Association:
- To foster the spirit and comradeship founded during service with No. 3 (F) Squadron
- To provide means of maintaining contact with former colleagues
- To nurture and encourage the special relationship between the Squadron and its Association
- To locate and preserve any document, photograph or information which will enhance the official Squadron history.
- For further details on the history of the association, either navigate via the About 3(F) Sqn tab or click here
Our esteemed Hon. Treasurer Eric Chamberlain has been in this position for a number of years, and he feels he wants to stand down. Therefore we are looking for a replacement treasurer for the very near future. We’re not looking for a financial wizard, and the job isn’t that onerous, but is an essential part of running the Association. Anyone interested please contact the Chairman or the Vice Chairman
Events Report
During my tenure as Chairman I set out to test the water with a series of events that would encourage the membership to become involved on a social basis and rekindle old friendships.
The first event was the Coningsby station visit, a great success by all accounts with around 20 members attending. Current OC 3(F) Lewis Cunningham and his excellent team arranged a full programme of activities that included a session at the Typhoon simulator, 3(F) Squadron visit, lunch in the Officers’ Mess and a guided tour of BBMF. It is hoped to run a similar visit in 2019.
The Association was invited to attend the reopening of the Hendon museum as part of the RAF 100th celebrations. Former OC 3(F) Air Marshal Stuart Atha opened the event after which our small group of Association members enjoyed the new facilities, noting that the former Gutersloh Harrier GR3 was absent. It was later discovered as an exhibit at Cosford Air Show and then at Horse Guards Parade.
On May 27th the Association had a marquee at the Cold War Jets day at Bruntingthorpe. Quite why this event was poorly attended by Association members remains a mystery. The variety of aircraft being demonstrated was superb with many high speed runs, notably from the Victor, Buccaneer and Canberra. The star of the show was the Lightning that was chocked on the runway right outside our marquee. The ground crew ran reheat slam checks before taxying away, reminding us just how noisy Cold War fighter aircraft were at close quarters.
The next event was the Cosford Air Show on June 10th. The Association turnout was low, which was a shame because the organisers had set up an exclusive viewing area for squadron Associations. We enjoyed an oasis of calm amidst the thousands of visitors and we had private facilities, lunch and a bar (£2.50 a pint!).
The planned visit to the regenerated Brooklands museum, complete with the ‘aircraft factory’ guided tour to see the P1127, prototype Harrier T2 and Concorde inspection, was cancelled due to lack of interest from members.
Finally we come to the annual dinner at Barnsdale Lodge on Friday October 19th (AGM Saturday morning). Last year’s event was well attended with excellent support from the current Squadron aircrew and engineers. It is hoped that Association members will show significant support for this event in order to maintain the links between the current and previous 3(F) Squadron members. Among the confirmed attendees are our President Sir Richard Johns and former OCs Syd Morris and Cab Townsend.
Phil Ward
Chairman
A new batch of cockatrice ties has arrived, £16.00 each contact Clive Handy
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2018 EVENTS DIARY (Also on Forthcoming Events)
Annual Association Dinner and AGM
Barnsdale Lodge Hotel
Friday October 19th
www.barnsdalelodge.co.uk
We will be returning to the Barnsdale for our annual dinner on the evening of Friday October 19th with the AGM on the morning of Saturday 20th. Current OC 3 Lewis Cunningham has confirmed that the dates are in the Squadron diary. It is hoped that our President Sir Richard Johns will also attend this year.
More details to follow but potential attendees are invited to register their interest.
For all event enquiries please contact the Chairman at mail@philwardevents.com
Any Three’s Company articles to the editor please.
An enamel Poppy badge is available. See ‘Merchandise’
The CO’s (Wg Cdr Lewis Cunningham) page is under ‘About 3(F) Sqn and the Association’.
This web site is designed to be informative and a point of reference for all association members, if you as an association member would like to see a particular item added to the site please contact the web-master, to contact him click here.
