RARE WWII 3 (F) SQUADRON 3 Sqn RAF bullion patch

Description

No 3 Sqn RAF
3 (F) Squadron RAF
3 Sqn RAF
Among the rarest British RAF World War II squadron blazer patches. The real deal, not a repro.
This magnificent bullion blazer patch measures 3-1/4" (83mm) across scroll and 3-1/2" (95mm) high. Lettering: Fighter Squadron 3 Royal Air Force. Tertius Primus Erit.
Tertius primus erit - The third shall be the first. This is a reference to the fact that No. 3 Squadron, RFC, was the first to be equipped with heavier-than-air machines.
At the start of the Second World War 3 Squadron was based at Biggin Hill having just re-equipped with the Hawker Hurricane, as part of Fighter Command engaged in the Battle of Britain. It briefly deployed to France in support of the British Expeditionary Force following the German attack on the West in 1940, being forced to withdraw after 10 days, having claimed 60 German aircraft for the loss of 21 of its own.
It was then sent to Wick in Northern Scotland and then to co-operate with "Turbinlite" seachlight equipped Douglas Havocs in the night fighter role. In February 1943 it re-equipped with the Hawker Typhoon flying them on fighter-bomber and anti-shipping strikes. It re-equipped again in March 1944, this time receiving the new Hawker Tempest fighter, operating over the Normandy beach-head and against German V1 flying bombs, claiming 288 V1s shot down.
No 3 (F) Squadron celebrated its 100th anniversary (as one of the three founder squadrons of the Royal Flying Corps) over the weekend of 11–13 May 2012.
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Key Search Words: 3 (F) Squadron RAF, 3 Sqn RAF, blazer patch, World War 2, WWII, WW2, RAF, British Royal Air Force, British RAF, 3 Sqn, No. 3 Squadron RAF, Hawker Hurricane, Battle of Britain