On 17th January 1939, Acting Pilot Officer Donald James Catt and F/O Lionel Gaunce of No.3 squadron, took off from Kenley at 10.15 am and headed towards the south coast for some live firing practice, in their Gloster Gladiator MkI's.
On 18th April 1939, Flight Lieutenant Dennis Collins and Acting Pilot Officer Frank Stiven of No.3 squadron, lost their lives when Stiven collided with Collins while trying to get into formation during a night flying exercise.