No.3 Squadron
(Motto: 'Swift To Support')

This unit was established in 1947 as a small 'Communications Flight'. It became 3 Sqn at New Sarum in 1953 and operated C-47s, Pembrokes, Argonauts, Islanders. Also operated were a Cessna 421A, a Beech Baron and a DC-7F. The Dakotas were used for general transport duties and for also parachuting troops and supplies into difficult areas. The Islanders were operated on light transport and casevac duties. One Dakota was fitted-out as an Airborne Command Post, and one as an ELINT aircraft. The Baron was reserved for VIP use.

In 1983 CASA 212s were received, and eventually these replaced the Dakotas for general transport duties.

Air Bases:

Base	Duration
New Sarum	1953 - Present

Aircraft Used:

Type	Qty	Service	Badge	Example Serials
C-47A/B	25	April 1947 - late 1992		R3702
C.4 Argonaut	4	November 1959 - August 1964		RRAF601,RRAF603
Pembroke C.1	2	November 1953 - July 1963		SR133,SR134
Beech Baron	1	1967 - November 1976		R7310
Cessna 421A	1	October 1975 - 1980?		R7153
DC-7CF	1	1976 - November 1980		R7230
BN-2A Islander	6	May 1976 - Present		R7136,R7213
CASA C.212	12	March 1983 - Present		802,806,812
SF.260TP	1	1994 - Present

Unit Insignia:

Figure 1

References:

• Air (WLAG) January 1990