Nigel Love was a WWI pilot with 3 Squadron AFC in France, and became 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.
Murray Knox and Arthur Collier were both Kittyhawk pilots from Tunisia, through Malta and Sicily and into Italy. Both of their tributes include interesting illustrations and Arthur's has an exciting story of when he evaded capture in Italy.
Robert Sydney "Bobby" Jones. Pilot in Africa in 1942, POW in Italy; successfully escaped to Switzerland.
In late 2010, Brian Eaton's medals were sold for more that $70K. This extract from the auction catalogue records Brian's outstanding flying
achievements, including two stints as Commanding Officer of No.3 Squadron.
Geoff Chinchen. Shot down by ground-fire while leading a 3SQN Flight on a ground-attack mission over Libya in mid-1942,
Geoff later received an MBE for his daring POW escape into Switzerland. This tribute to Geoff, who was elected as a Queensland MLA 1963-1977, was delivered by Premier Beattie in the Queensland Parliament.
Flight Sergeant Allen Wand - Airframe Fitter, served with 3 Squadron: "All the way from Alamein to the Alps."
Alan Clark, a Mustang pilot who had an adventurous time with the Partisans after being shot down over Yugoslavia near the end of the war.
Mick "Blue" Glennan - Engine Fitter ...and enthusiastic, unpaid, life-coach to sprog pilots...
Peter Cuthbert was the Association's Honorary President when he died aged 91 on 1 June 2010. Peter gave many, many years of dedicated service to the 3 Squadron Association 'family'. Our tribute recalls Peter's WW2 service as a Flight Sergeant Wireless Mechanic during the Squadron's hard slog from Libya, through Tunisia, to Malta, Sicily, and all the way up the Italian Peninsula to the final Victory in Europe.
Bobby Gibbes. No.3 Squadron's most famous Commanding Officer, over two arduous tours in Syria and North Africa. His amazing achievements attracted press coverage right around the world.
Jack Doyle , who flew with 3 Squadron in Africa and Italy, rising to the position of Flight Leader and Acting CO, and later Commanding
Officer of 450 "Desert Harassers" Squadron.
Coll Callander. A Kittyhawk pilot who flew in the big set-piece battles against the German defensive lines in Italy, 1944.
Bob Gillett. Engine Fitter in Malta, Sicily and Italy.
Marcus "Mac" Macinnes, 3 Squadron's Equipment Officer in the early WW2 battles in Egypt, Libya and Syria.
On 26 February 2004, 3 Squadron Association paid 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 Hickson [wife of NSW Premier Wran], at Dick's 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.
Reg Stevens. Certainly the Squadron's fastest-promoted man, a skilled and much-admired Squadron Leader.
MATES ... Lew Ranger's Eulogy to Bluey White
Bob Davies - One of the esteemed "Three Padres" in Africa and Italy. His great contribution to the morale
and spiritual life of 3 Squadron is celebrated in this tribute.
