Nigel Love was a WWI pilot with 3 Squadron AFC in France, and a noted 1920s aviation pioneer in Australia. This engrossing tribute by his son John includes many interesting details and a watercolour painting by Arthur Streeton.
An edited version of a rare and authentic oral history of 3 Squadron’s early days in the Western Desert, spoken by an extraordinary man-on-the-spot who witnessed it all. The man is Val St Leon who joined 3 Squadron as a Fitter 2E but, in 1976, was the Captain who piloted the Qantas Boeing 747 which flew the entire 3 Squadron out of Butterworth and back to Sydney.
On 26 February 2004, 3 Squadron Association helped to pay tribute to one of its members, Dick Hickson. Dick served with the Squadron during the Desert War days and was President of the Association between 1986 and 1988. Dick's life is such an interesting study of fine achievements and personable contributions to Australia's past that we print the Eulogy delivered by his daughter, Jill, at his funeral. Included are some of Dick's WWII pictures.
Ivor Leaver. Tom Russell's wonderful tribute to Ivor, one of the "Original" members who shipped out of Australia in 1940. Ivor was one of the "Bofor Boys" of the Aerodrome Defence Unit.
Bill Shoesmith. Sergeant, canteen truck driver and Desert Providore extraordinaire.
Cliff "Slim" Summerfield. The long life of one of the dedicated 3 Squadron WWII ground-crew is described in this Western Australian newspaper article.
Murray Nash. Murray served three separate combat tours in 3 Squadron during World War II - starting in the Desert and then twice as Squadron Leader in Italy. Murray was the man who put the "Southern Cross" on the Squadron's rudders.
Lew Ranger. A Mustang pilot over the last frantic months of operations in Northern Italy, Lew was an outstanding character and lifelong contributor to 3 Squadron Association. This tribute is by Arthur Pardey.