The squadron was involved in fighting in
East Africa flying Hurricanes and
Gladiator Mk IIs, In December 1942 the squadron was sent to the Middle East and flew fighter defence over the port of Aden with Hurricane Mk IIc and
Spitfire V aircraft, coastal patrols were also flown from North Africa. In August 1944, 3 Squadron was sent to Italy top join
No. 8 Wing SAAF and was re-equipped with Spitfire IXs. The squadron was disbanded following the end of the Second World War. Three Squadron was again reformed at Baragwanath Airport on 6 September 1952 as a part-time citizen force unit flying
Harvards, but disbanded once again in 1957. In August 1966 the squadron was reformed at AFB Waterkloof as a unit under the control of 2 Squadron, equipped with
Mirage IIIEZs. In February 1970 the unit received squadron colours and in the same year, was supplied with Mirage IIIDZ's and Mirage F1CZ's in April 1975 when its Mirage IIIEZ, DZ and D2Z aircraft were transferred to
85 Advanced Flying School. The squadron continued to operate the Mirage F1CZ from Waterkloof AFB with frequent deployments to
South-West Africa during the
Namibian War of Independence. Three Squadron was disbanded when the Mirage F1CZs were retired on 30 September 1992. ==World War II deployment==