3 Group Bomber Command

Description

During the immediate period before World War Two, the RAF modified its command structure to rationalize for rapid expansion. Bomber Command was divided into six operational groups, each flying the same type of aircraft. 3 Group had almost completely re-equipped with the Wellington by 4 September 1939 to carry out the second bombing operation of the war which was against German warships off Brunsbüttel. In 1940 the first of the new four-engined bombers, the Short Stirling, came into service with the Group, being followed in 1942 by the Avro Lancaster. On 3rd/4th November 1943, No. 3 Group played a leading part in the first bombing attack in which heavy bombers made use of the radar bombing aid known as G-H. The target was Düsseldorf; bombs were dropped "blind" and good results were obtained. In July and August 1944, aircraft of this Group equipped with G-H maintained an all-weather attack against flying-bomb sites. Through the D-Day build-up, the liberation of France and conquest of Germany, formations of No. 3 Group attacked railway junctions, marshalling yards, troop concentrations, etc. During the week ending 25th March 1945, Bomber Command made numerous attacks to prepare for the crossing of the Rhine Content: Foreword General Notes A Narrative History Photo Gallery Quick Reference 7 Squadron 9 Squadron XV Squadron 37 Squadron 38 Squadron 40 Squadron 57 Squadron 75 (NZ) Squadron 90 Squadron 99 (Madras Presidency) Squadron 101 Squadron 115 Squadron 138 Squadron 149 Squadron 156 Squadron 161 Squadron 186 Squadron 192 Squadron 195 Squadron 196 Squadron 199 Squadron 214 Squadron 218 Squadron 311 Squadron 419 Squadron 514 Squadron 620 Squadron 622 Squadron 623 Squadron Abbreviations Bibliography Other Titles by this Author.