Nos 7, 49, 148, and 214 Squadrons operating Lancasters from RAF Upwood, and 15, 44, 90, 138 Squadrons operating Lincolns from RAF Wyton. For a period in the early 1950s several squadrons flew Boeing Washingtons, the British name for Boeing B-29 Superfortresses lent to the UK until the English Electric Canberra could enter service. Most of the Vickers Valiant and Handley Page Victor, squadrons, made operational in the late 1950s, formed part of No. 3 Group. During the Suez Crisis of 1956 Valiants of 138, 148, 207 and 214 Squadrons were deployed to RAF Luqa in Malta and the first Valiant attacks against Egyptian airfields began on 31 October 1956, with limited results due to the lack of experience operating the Valiant. No. 3 Group was also responsible for the Thor ballistic missile between 1 September 1958 and August 1963, with ten squadrons, including Nos:- 77 Headquartered at RAF Feltwell 82 Headquartered at RAF Shepherds Grove 107 Headquartered at RAF Tuddenham 113 Headquartered at RAF Mepal 130 Headquartered at RAF Polebrook 144 Headquartered at RAF North Luffenham 218 Headquartered at RAF Harrington 220 Headquartered at RAF North Pickenham 223 Headquartered at RAF Folkingham 254 Headquartered at RAF Melton Mowbray each with three missiles, being equipped with the weapon. On 1 November 1967 the Group was absorbed by No. 1 (Bomber) Group RAF. The Group was reformed on 1 April 2000 to control Joint Force Harrier and maritime aircraft transferred from the former No. 11/18 Group RAF. It came under a Royal Navy officer, the Flag Officer Maritime Aviation. Rear Admiral Iain Henderson was the first occupant of the post, who also had the NATO roles of COMAIREASTLANT and COMMARAIRNORTH. AOC 3 Group/FOMA had two RAF subordinates, Air Commodore Harrier (for all the RAF Harriers and FAA Sea Harriers) and Air Commodore Maritime (for the Nimrods and SAR helicopters). After a further reorganisation in 2003-4, the group became known as the Battle Management Group and controlled the Airborne Early Warning aircraft, ground-based radar installations, maritime reconnaissance aircraft and the search and rescue helicopters in the UK. The group was based alongside Strike Command at RAF High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. In 2006 the Group consisted of: 3 Gp Headquarters – RAF High Wycombe RAF Bentley Priory RAF Boulmer RAF Fylingdales RAF Neatishead 5 Sqn, RAF Waddington 8 Sqn, RAF Waddington 22 Sqn, A Flight & HQ, RMB Chivenor 22 Sqn, B Flt, RAF