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at the 3 Squadron Website.
Matt KOVARIK of Adelaide has sent us news
of his 3AFC WW1 family treasure-trove! Matt says:
“I came across your website while researching my great-grandfather, Warrant
Officer Samuel Cecil CRAWFORD MSM, of Australian Flying Corps
3rd Squadron, and thought you might be interested in some of his
remarkable history and collection.
“Cec” was one of only 34 members of the entire Australian Flying Corps to receive the Meritorious Service Medal (‘MSM’). He served in both the Boer War (at age 20) and World War I (at age 37); one of only a handful of soldiers to serve in both wars.
Also my grandma is currently 102 years old and
in good health - probably one of the oldest living children of a WW1
AFC soldier. Cec was also a close and lifelong friend of Captain
Harry BUTLER, famous for his Red Devil aircraft in
Minlaton S.A., after WW1. (The wheel chocks at the Harry Butler
Red Devil Memorial say "made by S.C Crawford".)
Cec ran ‘Crawford Garage’ in Minlaton, before Harry bought it. Cec was not only Butler’s aviation mechanic, but also served as best man at his wedding.
My family has kept his original Warrant Officer's
tunic and cap, medals, all his officer’s canes, belts, flying
cap, gloves, binoculars, and other personal items, which are in
remarkable condition.
All recently passed down to me, which I plan to
preserve and display for future generations. It’s an
extraordinarily intact collection of original WWI artifacts
and history directly connected to my great grandfather.
We also have preserved many original WWI AFC 3rd Squadron photographs from Cec’s service in France, England etc, along with a complete set of original topographical maps he used during operations. These have been tucked away in family boxes for over a century, essentially untouched since the Great War.
My grandma also tells me Cec played a significant role as the senior NCO to lay the ‘Red Baron’ Manfred von Richthofen, in his coffin.”
The Association has now created some photo-pages displaying the collection, which includes a rare series of pix of the Flying Corps returning home on the ship ‘Kaisar-i-Hind’ [“Emperor of India”] in 1919.
Our 3SQN website has a large collection of “Lifetimes” articles about our former
members, which are well worth exploring. For example the article
about WW2 Armorer Ted SAVAGE has a tale from the
memorable day when King George VI visited the Squadron
(27 July 1944) under the pseudonym of “General Collingwood”.
Ted’s daughter remembers as follows:
“…The No.3 Squadron boys 'pinched' the chair from which King
George VI had stood and administered the 'quickest knighting in
history'. The chair was purloined and placed in the back of the
truck of 3
Squadron's Padre - the only vehicle that would not be
searched! …Unfortunately, the chair removal created quite a stir and
their leave came under threat... The chair was
returned!”
Christmas is coming – and what better way to brighten up your festive season than by listening to some “Red Baron” themed Xmas music! You may be amused to hear that the 1967 US hit single "Snoopy's Christmas" (featuring the Red Baron) was a worldwide success.
However the Kiwi Isles to our east seem to have had a more changeable relationship with this song. It is estimated to be the biggest-selling overseas single EVER in New Zealand history – but hilariously in 2007 was also voted "the worst Christmas song of all time" by New Zealand Herald readers!
’SOLDIER ON’ is an Australian national charity that supports current and former Australian Defence Force members and their families, by providing a wide range of services focused on mental and physical well-being, employment, and social connection.
We’d like to express 3SQN Association’s admiration
that in May this year, a team from 3SQN Williamtown raised nearly
$19,000 for SOLDIER ON’s “March On” event, by walking
5,255km. This was the 8th-highest contribution out of ~800 teams
participating across Australia.
A "Mini-Me" 3SQN RAAF first flew in 1922!
Our website’s Historic
Dates page lists many obscure episodes of 3SQN history
and the 1922 item below has recently been updated…
When the RAAF was first created in 1921, there had been a plan to go ahead with forming several Squadrons, including a "No.3". Unfortunately this scheme was severely curtailed by peacetime funding cuts and the Squadron was only thinly established in January 1922, with just four DH9 Army Co-op Aircraft.
Personnel strength was a “Cadre” – equivalent to
a single Flight:
Squadron Leaders Brown and Berryman; Flight Lieutenant Lukis; Flying
Officers Cowper, Kenny and Bostock; 27 airmen.
The unit only lasted six months before being
re-absorbed into the Central Flying School. It was not
until three years later - 1 July 1925 - that 3SQN RAAF was finally
reborn.
[And some of the individuals named above reappeared as significant 3SQN
members!]
A RAAF DH9 being reconditioned by a civilian contractor. These
WW1-surplus aircraft had been shipped out from England in crates as an
Imperial Gift, in return for the WW1 Battleplanes donated
by Australia.
A historic photo has been added to our Lifetimes article on Jack DUIGAN, WW1 3AFC Flight Commander. Duigan was an amazing pioneer aviator who made the “first flight” of an Australian designed and built aircraft (in 1910). Jack was awarded the Military Cross after distinguishing himself in 3AFC air-combat. The photo below shows the unveiling of Jack’s memorial cairn in rural central Victoria, 50 years after his pioneering flight.
Our member Patricia JACKSON writes: “The War Memorial in Canberra have booked Sunday, 24th May, 2026 at 4.30 pm to honour my father, John F. JACKSON, with a Last Post Ceremony. I wonder could you get that message to 3 Squadron Assn members, so that those who wish to can attend?”
“Old John” was a 3SQN desert Flight Commander and “ace” pilot in 1940/41, for which he was awarded a DFC and MiD. He was then appointed Commanding Officer of No.75 Squadron’s Kittyhawks in the defence of Port Moresby, in the desperate days of March/April 1942. John exhibited great bravery, evading capture through the jungle-clad mountains of PNG after being shot down near Lae, and losing his life in still-controversial circumstances over Port Moresby. Senior RAAF officers had called John’s men “dingoes” (yellow) for their necessary tactic of diving through, rather than trying to turn with, the superlative Japanese Zero fighters. John then put his own neck on the line to demonstrate turning combat. He shot down one Zero, but subsequently was shot down himself. He is buried in Port Moresby.
Attention any readers with a parachute
certification…!
– We have been contacted by WO1 Phil THAMM, who is the
curator of the Museum in the ADF Parachuting School at
HMAS Albatross. [Nowra NSW. – NB: The
School is not open to public visits.]
Phil says: “On 26 May 2026 it is the 100th
anniversary of both Australia’s first freefall parachute
jump and its first military jump… We are planning on
marking the anniversary with possibly a re-enactment descent
at RAAF Base Richmond. I have made contact with [RAAF
parachute pioneer] Ellis WACKETT’s grandson, whose family are
interested in being part of the event.
I anticipate this would be picked up by the media. I feel that this is a significant part of RAAF history. The RAAF controlled parachute training throughout WW2 [much of it at Richmond] and up until the mid-70s.”
We will keep you posted on the progress of this proposed
event. The 3SQN website has a page all about those exciting
parachute trials, during 3SQN RAAF’s first year at
Richmond.
The first operational Commanding Officer of 3AFC, 1917-1918, was Major D.V.J. BLAKE. He received a significant medal from the Americans that recognised the important support that 3AFC provided during the climax of WW1:
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
MEDAL. [Citation]
“…Special services rendered to the troops of the Second
American Corps between September 26th and October 25th
1918. Major Blake’s Squadron was attached to the Second
Corps throughout the operations which broke the resistance of the
enemy at the Hindenburg Line and carried our lines, after more
than four weeks of continuous fighting, to the heights of the Sambre
River. His great skill as an airman, his whole-hearted
co-operation and his energetic readiness to serve at all times and in
all kinds of weather contributed in no small degree to the battle
successes of this Corps. He richly deserves this
recognition of his valuable services.”
Amazingly, Sydney militaria collector Rod MILLER has preserved the document itself, from Major Blake’s deceased estate!
Some impressive F-35 Industrial Videos:
"Massing Firepower.” https://www.youtube.com/shorts/WhgdDMqtHKI
“Inside the F-35 Factory.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdG4GO4WboE
“Building the Stealth F-35's Engines” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHkkp0pr41M
Here’s an interesting tale of photo restoration and serindipidous discovery by our Association’s W.A. members:
John SAINSBURY dredged up an original photo of an early reunion of the 3SQN WW2 boys in Perth, taken way back in 1946. However that B&W pic was in quite poor condition. Enter Pete TAYLOR, with his publishing experience. Pete sent the pic to Steven JACOBS, ex Radtech and a photo-restorer that Pete had used for pics in his Mirage books.
It turns out that technology has moved ahead! Steve spruced-up the reunion photo beyond all expectations; he told Pete:
“It's come up quite nicely, thanks to some relatively
new A.I.-powered online apps I've been playing with for a while.
They do a really good job (most of time) restoring and/or Improving
photos. This colourised version is compliments of Google
Gemini. Colours were generated by Gemini based on its
interpretation of the original greyscale image.”
Not only that - there on the mirror behind the boys is the 3SQN Cutella Flag -so that’s where it got to after the war! We also found the original announcement of the event. - From the days when people read newspapers thoroughly!
The Daily News (Perth,
WA) Fri 5 Jul 1946. Page 15 ADVERTISING.
No.3 SQUADRON SOCIAL CLUB. 1st SMOKE SOCIAL REUNION to be held
TONIGHT at 8 p.m., A.N.A. Club Rooms, Riverside Drive. All
ex-members No.3 Squadron R.A.A.F. Middle East invited. Be in it,
a great night assured. Enquire W 1104.
And a subsequent notice that must have been born at that meeting:
The West Australian
(Perth, WA) Thu 25 Jul 1946. Page 1 FAMILY NOTICES.
ENRIGHT (L.A.C. Peter). - In memory of our late comrade, Peter,
who made the supreme sacrifice at Malta, July 25, 1943, from the
result of injuries while on duty in Sicily. [Petrol
explosion inside a building at Pachino aerodrome.] Deeply
regretted by his comrades of No.3 Squadron; Bernie, Alex, Ron and
Fred.
We crossed the sea together. / We fought against the foe. / Your memory will live forever, / No matter where we roam.
One of the best.
NEW W.A. PRESIDENT: Some bittersweet news from Western Australia. Our stalwart member John SAINSBURY (son of our previous WA President, WW2 veteran Felix) has encountered a couple of serious health challenges and as a result is stepping back from the Association liaison duties which he generously shouldered after we lost Felix. Since that time, the WA membership has seen a complete Renaissance and we all owe a great debt of thanks to John and his WA mates. We wish John every success with his treatment and look forward to him being a part of 3SQN Assn for many years to come!
- The “good news” from all this is that Pete TAYLOR has put up his hand up to be our new W.A. President. Pete is a well-known Mirage-fancier, sumpmeister, author and man-about-town. Best wishes Pete, from all in the other states! We’ll be backing you up.
[This may even encourage CO3 into another F-35 jolly to Perth… Hope springs eternal!]
The AWM website is displaying an interesting 17min video of Egypt and the
Western Desert in WW2.
John SALTER of 450 Squadron RAAF shot this film, which is
quite representative of the experiences of the boys in the desert.
One dramatic scene shows a collection of strafed and burning Allied vehicles on a desert road, and then casualties in hospital. Yikes!
However, a cataloging error has resulted in
the AWM mis-identifying these scenes as “3SQN”, whereas they really show
our sister squadron. (We have now prepared a folio of evidence to
justify the AWM changing their caption – often a long-winded process!)
Contrary to an initial display concept that was publicised previously (imagining the aircraft being suspended at a groovy angle, as if in flight) it now appears that A21-22 will sit squarely on its undercarriage. [Presumably a lot less complicated to maintain - and less expensive!]
Journalist Julie POWER interviewed AWM Senior Curator Dr Kerry NEALE, who said the large objects, such as the Hornet, would not exist without the servicemen and women.
“We needed a space that would keep the
Memorial true to its mission… which is to interpret and share the experience
of Australians at War.
We can’t end that at Vietnam… because that’s not when Australia’s
experience of war ends… We look at the devastation that air
strikes cause, to the coalition, the enemy, it’s all compounded, and
we’re saying that the Hornet as a piece of technology is quite
impressive, but all the people who work on them, and all of the
consequences and repercussions, are part and parcel of the Hornet
story.”
To show the human elements, the Hornet display includes a mannequin wearing the flight suit of a tall pilot, like Group Captain Michael GRANT, who had to fold himself into a small space for 10 hours or more. It includes his “P Bag” – a pocket-sized emergency loo, which folds up like an adult diaper and uses the same crystals. Neale said: “They had them in their flight suit pockets, and would need to use them to relieve themselves. There was no pulling off to the side of the road.”
On the ground nearby, a mannequin represents
a RAAF Technician dressed in shorts, in 50-degree heat,
working to maintain the plane.
At the time when 3AFC was founded in 1916,
it was part of the Australian Army. (No separate “Air
Force” existed, although spectacular growth of the flying services during
the course of WW1 soon made this need apparent.) So it may surprise
many readers to hear that a lot of Australian Flying Corps history
is stored out on the flat tablelands at the back of Toowoomba, in
beautiful Oakey QLD! This is in the “Australian Army Flying Museum” - well worth a
visit.
We have had some correspondence with David SCHAEFFER, on the North Coast of NSW, whose dad Harry flew with 3 Squadron in North Africa in 1942, before returning to Australia and then resuming conflict against the Japanese. David is in the process of typing-up his dad’s war diary and we have been able to help with other pictorial and text resources. (See procedure on our website ‘Research’ page.) Many of Harry’s interesting letters were published in his local paper and he was a good friend of 3SQN Ace “Nicky” BARR.
For armchair aviators, our member Ken McCRACKEN has sent in some pix of another of his wonderful aviation experiences. This time above Mount Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand. Ken managed to climb up and over this mighty 3,700-metre peak using only a glider, favourable winds and brainpower! - NO ENGINE! (Other than his takeoff launch 3,000 metres lower and 100km away.)
The 3 Squadron Headquarters at Williamtown generously hosted a commemoration of “V.E. Day”, which was well-attended by approximately 50 serving personnel from Williamtown base and 10 Association Members who mainly had connections to WW2. A fine empathetic service was conducted by Chaplain Gabriel EZENWA. (In 1945, this day came as an enormous relief to all 3SQN personnel and their families!)
Don’t
say we don’t bring you the GOOD News!
After WW2 ended, people could get on with their lives, including popular
former 3SQN groundcrew member Jack FAUNT…
From The Newcastle Sun 15 Nov 1945: After the
marriage of their daughter, Phyllis, to L.A.C. John FAUNT (returned), at
the Methodist Church, Merewether, Inspector and Mrs. T. HILL entertained
at their home, Hamilton. The bride, attended by her cousin, Gwen
THORBY, wore a three-tiered veil and a cluster of flowers with her white
chantilly lace frock, and the bridesmaid wore white Broderie Anglaise
and a tulle headdress. The bride carried white gladioli and her
cousin pink. The marriage was celebrated by the Rev. W. C.
FULLERTON, and Mr. HILL gave away his daughter. The bridegroom,
son of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. FAUNT, of Cootamundra, was attended by Cpl.
Keith MINCHINTON, R.A.A.F. (returned), of Sydney.
Our
member Sharon NEALE is the daughter of our former member Carl
DAWSON (deceased 2024). Carl was a 3SQN Armament Fitter
Corporal in Butterworth, working on Sabres 1959-1961. Sharon
would be interested to hear from any ex-serving members from that
era, or their families, to discuss times past.
- Please contact the
Association.
BOOKSHELF:
Our member AVM (ret.) Dick BOMBALL [who was CO3 1973-74]
writes: “Some time ago I promised myself and the then
long-retired CAS David EVANS that I would one day write an account of
my experience in leading the team that finally sold the retired Mirage
fleet and the support package to the Pakistanis. I have finally
done it - and for those who may be interested, it can be bought
online, on-demand, direct from the publisher…
To purchase, please visit the website: “Selling the Mirage”.
The
on-line price of $27.65 is more than I would like, but I didn’t have
the unlimited energy needed to market and mail the book myself.
As it is a ‘niche’ subject with a limited market, selling through book
stores simply wasn’t an option. That has driven the price up,
for which I apologise. Nevertheless, the price is below cost, so
it is definitely non-profit!
The book is a detailed account of the day-to-day activities of the
team which successfully negotiated Australia’s first major
international arms export: the sale of the RAAF’s retired
Mirage fleet to Pakistan. The account covers the hurried
preparation, development of negotiating strategies, the events (some
quite unexpected) that led to the finally agreed price and schedule of
payments, and the intense period of contract negotiation. The
record includes a very extensive collection of press clippings
covering the domestic and international furore that erupted following
the announcement of this controversial event. The story
reveals several related anecdotes that add some surprising detail
beyond that previously publicly available.”
For
armchair aviators who haven’t been required to monitor the health of
their single engine for a 10-hour hop across the Pacific, here are two
minutes of atmospheric Lightning video, with 3SQN prominent.
The Association would like to thank British Author Paul McMILLAN for doing some intricate
detective work to find a 3SQN serving member who died in a
1930 car-crash.
We have added this entry to our Association Roll of Honour.
Aircraftman 1st Class Ovendon Hart "Cec" WILLIAMS
(RAAF No.787)
Cec died in a work-related accident on the Windsor Road at Rouse Hill,
NSW, 27/02/1930. He was being driven to work in a Baby
Triumph car owned by Sgt. Wilfred BROWN of 3SQN. Brown
swerved to avoid some sheep that had strayed through a fence onto the
road. His car skidded on the soft road-edge and rolled over.
Both Williams and Brown were thrown from the car. Williams died of
a fractured skull and Brown was injured with a broken arm.
This
accident widowed Williams' newly-wedded wife, Stella.
[Four years later, in 1934, Brown himself was killed in a private
aviation crash at Mascot Airport.]
The
PACIFIC AIR SHOW, which was scheduled on the Gold Coast for 15-17
AUGUST 2025.
Has been CANCELLED due to Cyclone Alfred Recovery.
For any of our members anticipating this event, we’re sorry to convey
the news that it has been cancelled.
The airshow will be back again in August 2026.
This
cancellation is disappointing for our Association, as our stalwart W.A.
member “Homer” SIMPSON had negotiated discounted tickets for 3SQN
Assn Members for this year’s event, and also a free family pass, which
we were planning to run a competition to give away!
Oh
well, we will do our best to “re-load” the offer for 2026!
The
Association salutes the recent success of the Squadron in completing
their historic series of F-35 trans-Pacific ferry-runs.
This task has become a “specialty” of 3SQN in recent years – which is
both an honour, recognising 3SQN’s organisational and operational
skills, and a sobering risk! [However, all’s well that ends
well. None of the brand-new birds went into the drink and Kenny
was NOT transferred to a one-man weather station in
Antarctica!] The “collectible” patch above, from Unique Models, celebrates 3SQN’s
achievement.
Up in Queensland, hunkered
in their video bunker, our AMAHA friends Matt & Josiah
have sent the very happy news that they have finished the
LAST episode of their 3SQN History Video. (ITALY
theatre, 1943 to 1945.)
Of all of the excellent episodes in this series, this one is an outstanding
treatment of the subject. Much of the script has been
sourced from our 3SQN website, and the video uses an impressive “Artificial
Intelligence” voice to perform the narration. The real
stars are the old 3SQN Veterans whose interviews and home
movies have been included. The subtle use of animation has
also filled in some gaps in the historic photo and film coverage.
Our
Sydney member Debbie CHURCH (daughter of 3SQN Mustang pilot
Al CLARK) sends:
Re my Caterpillar Brooch, which Dad had given to me many
decades ago; I have been fretting over it and was convinced I
had lost it off my jacket in one of the ANZAC marches! -
However, I had placed it in a special box that was hiding in
a cupboard!
Addison
finished the war with an MiD and an OBE. [N.B. 2/Lt
NORVILLE, whom Addison mentions as being shot down from 7,000ft
over France, was not actually killed, he survived as a POW, but with a
paralysed arm. Norville had been seconded from 3AFC to gain “operational
experience” over the Western Front - yikes!]
Here’s
another impressive aviation-travel note from our member Ken
McCRACKEN: “Visited the Tangmere Aviation Museum...
It’s really superb. I had 30 minutes on the English Electric Lightning fighter simulator.
[A 1960s contemporary to 3SQN’s Mirages.] It really
takes a bit of focus beyond Mach 2! Only mere seconds to gain
10-20 thousand feet. Loop diameters 5-8 thousand feet, aileron
rolls 2 seconds, barrel rolls 3 seconds and bloody hard to slow down
for a landing!”
Sunday
16th February 2025 marked the 84th birthday of 450 Squadron RAAF.
[And the establishment of Williamtown RAAF base, which required
a lot of manual labour from the new 450 personnel to clean up the site!]
450 Association arranged an excellent commemoration at
Fighterworld, which attracted a diversity of interested parties,
including representatives of 3SQN Assn and the serving 3 Squadron
leadership.
The
recent fiery crash of a USAF F-35, which spun-in with
undercarriage extended, is analysed online.
(The pilot parachuted safely. - Eielson AFB, Alaska.)
Our West Australian
member Brenton SIGGS was in touch just before Christmas 2024,
with a cheery message. Brenton and his mates in his Veterans’
Support group have laid down some “Tracks to fly by”.
Brenton adds: “Just a brief note from the West Australian Blue
Yonder, to advise I have finally recorded a couple of desert
guitar-violin-didge-flute tracks with some far more talented musicians
than myself. The tracks are free, but always appreciated if
you could make a donation to your favourite cause, or see some
suggestions on my Bandcamp page.
Please pass on to others if you like the tracks. All feedback
welcome!
See you out there in the Deep Blue one day… Best regards, SZiggsy.
(Director Golden State Mining Ltd)”
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