No. 3 Sqn is the longest serving Sqn in IAF without a break. Its Crest – “the Cobra” has an interesting genesis to it that dates back to 1942. A short read on how the Crest was born in the fort of Miranshah in 1942. (1/6)
Formed in Oct 41, the A Flight of the Sqn was operating at Miranshah under command of Flt Lt Henry Ranganathan in early 1942. Life at Miranshah was confined to the walls of the fort and consequently a lot of get-togethers at the mess. 2/
During one such Machiavellian session, the lively Runganathan, after a couple of drinks, summoned the Army Liason officer, Major John Borthwick, with a baton in his hand, asked the Major to kneel and said ” I summon thee, John, to produce a Coat of Arms for the Ranganathans” 3/
Borthwick demanded an easel, a drawing Board, Paper, and Colour Chalk but was unable to find it at that hour in the Fort. Ranganathan beamed – “The items will be made available and the session will continue tomorrow”. Next evening, Borthwick had it ready in 20 minutes. 4/
The Coat of Arms looked like a Cobra. While presenting Borthwick said “This is the most appropriate Coat of Arms for the Ranganathans who are all snakes”. The drawing became the nucleus on which the 3 Sqn crest was cast & Adopted. Runganathan died in harness soon after. 5/
The Original motto of the sqn was “Ba Himmat Ba Murad” meaning “Fortune favors the brave”. In 1954, under then command of Sqn Ldr Bouche, while the crest was retained as is, the motto was changed to “Lakshya Vedh” meaning “destroy the target with precision”. 6/6
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