RAF Third Tactical Air Force
The RAF Third Tactical Air Force was a major command of the Royal Air Force in south east Asia during World War II. It was formed in December 1943, shortly after the establishment of South East Asia Command to provide tactical air support to the Fourteenth Army.
As the Air Force was formed, it was felt that at last British forces could go over to the offensive against the Japanese in Burma. A start was made towards establishing a general offensive in Arakan in early 1943, but this was forestalled by a Japanese offensive. The Japanese were decisively beaten, but the shifted the focus of their attack to central Burma. Third TAF gave sterling service to Fourteenth Army during the Battle of Kohima and the Battle of Imphal, strafing and bombing the besieging Japanese troops, often at very low level.
After the defeat of the Japanese by IV and XXXIII Corps in Assam, the monsoon intervened before many counterattacks could take place. After the enforced period of reduced operations, Third TAF supported the advance of Fourteenth Army against the Japanese forces. However, command arrangement changes at the end of 1944 cut short the life of 3rd TAF. It was redesignated HQ RAF Bengal and Burma in December 1944.
Third TAF had two commanders, Air Vice Marshal John Baldwin up until August 1944, and then Air Marshal Sir Alec Coryton.
