Our History
1923 – 1963
Detailed below are some of the many fascinating events that have happened for Number 3 Squadron.
1923 – NZ Permanent Air Force Established
In 1923 New Zealand established its first air force. The New Zealand Permanent Air Force (NZPAF) was made up of 11 full-time staff in charge of carrying out administration and training.
1928 – NO 3 TERRITORIAL BOMBER SQN ESTABLISHED
In 1928 No 3 Territorial Bomber Squadron was established in Christchurch. The Squadron was initially equipped with ex WW1 Bristol F2Bs
1937 – RNZAF ESTABLISHED
On 1 April 1937 the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) became an independent service within the New Zealand defence forces. This marked the culmination of two decades of struggle for parity with its army and navy counterparts.
1939 – TERRITORIAL AIR FORCE TRANSFERRED TO RNZAF
On 28 August 1939 all of the Territorial Air Force squadrons were transferred to the RNZAF. On 04 September the Christchurch (Territorial) Bomber Squadron became the Christchurch (General Reconnaissance) Squadron.
1940 – FORMATION OF THE NEW ZEALAND GENERAL RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRON
In March 1940, the Christchurch (General Reconnaissance) Squadron merged with the Wellington and Auckland (General Reconnaissance) Squadrons to form the New Zealand General Reconnaissance Squadron.
1941 – No 3 General Reconnaissance Squadron established at Harewood
1941 – No 3 GR Squadron operate Vildebeests and Vincents
1942 – No 3 GR Squadron relocated to Whenuapai
On arrival at Whenuapai, the Squadron began to immediately re-equip with Hudsons. The unit also had an Oxford at this time.
1942 – No 3 GR Squadron becomes No 3 Bomber Reconnaissance Squadron
In April 1942 Command of the new Squadron was passed to Admiral Chester Nimitz
1942 – No. 3 BR Squadron deploys to Espiritu Santo
In October 1942 the Hudsons of No. 3 BR Sqn head to war with basing in the Solomon Islands
1942 – 6 Hudsons deploy to Honiara
In Nov 1942 a Flight of 6 Hudsons deploy to Henderson Field
1944 – No 3 Sqn returns to NZ in January for some R&R
The Squadron reforms at Ohakea in Feb 1944 and re-equips with the Lockheed Ventura
1944 – In May the Squadron returns to Espiritu Santo
Throughout the remainder of 1944 the Squadron operates from Piva, Green Bay and Emirau before returning to NZ in November
1945 – In January the squadron reforms at Whenuapai
and Deploys to Henderson Field once more in February
1945 – For the next 5 months the Squadron operates in the Pacific
Locations include Piva, Green Island and Jacquinot Bay in New Britain
1945 – In June 1945 the Squadron is disbanded.
Three months later on 6 Sep 45 the Japanese surrender at Rabaul
1 Dec 1948 – the Squadron is re-established
No 3 Canterbury Territorial Air Force Squadron is established with Harvards & Tiger Moths
11 Jun 1952 – 3 Squadron is equipped with P-51D Mustangs
A Rarity Color version of No. 3 TAF Sqn P-51D’s
July 1952 – The No 3 Squadron RNZAF Crest receives Royal approval.
No 3 Squadron RNZAF crest featuring a Maori warrior and the motto Kimihia Ka Patu ( Seek and Destroy)
