3rd Canadian Division · The Water Rats

History of 3CD

The story of 3CD in World War II Online: who we are, how the division came about, how it was organised, and the people who made it.

3CD badge: a red maple leaf with a soldier, a Spitfire and a tank
5 Jul 2002Founded in WWII Online
330+members at our peak
64player limit hit on squad nights
3 + RCAFbrigades and an air wing

The 3CD squad in WWII Online was founded on 5 July 2002, according to the game’s squad page, which lists 338 members on the squad roster. See the squad roster →

Pieced together from memory, old posts and screenshots, so some dates may be off. If you remember it differently, let us know.

Part I

Our start

2001–2002

How 3CD began: the Red Berets, the founders and the squads that came together to create a player-made division. Ready and Awbash founded 3CD, and Robhood, of the Red Berets air wing, helped create it.

I
Part I · Our start

Who we are

3CD is the only player-created Division in WWII Online.

The division was made up of the 7th, 8th and 9th Brigades and an RCAF air wing, and it followed a strict Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that prohibited camping and other forms of unfair play.

“Ready and the ground brigades rolled Namur for the 3CD back in the golden years.”

— Extract2th, 2012 · “Closing up 3CD” thread
RCAF banner from the original 3CD website
The RCAF banner from the original website.
I
Part I · Our start

How we came about

Early 3CD logo from the original website
An early 3CD logo from the original website.

Founded by Ready, the “3CD Godfather”, from the 24th Dragoons and the 401 Rams.

The 24th Dragoons and the 401 Rams were the ground and air squads formed from the old Red Berets. The game’s squad page gives the founding date as 5 July 2002. Other squads soon joined as member squads.

Ready and Awbash founded 3CD. Ready made the old 3CD logo and worked on the original squad website with Sun; Awbash made many of the original squad-night maps, and 3CD’s first acceptance letter came from him. Robhood, one of our ace pilots, led the 401 Rams with Extract2th as his XO, and Willytee brought cartoons and videos to 3CD and the wider WWIIOL community.

Founders: squad recollections and the recovered squad forum (Extract2th, Memory Lane, 2012; the old 3CD forum, 2011–2012).

3CD was known at that time as one of the few units that followed a strict Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) that prohibited any form of camping, as well as other forms of unfair play.

— Extract2th, “History of 3CD in WWIIOL (to 2004)”
Read Extract2th’s full “History of 3CD in WWIIOL (to 2004)”

This history is told in Extract2th’s own words. It brings together his “History of 3CD in WWIIOL (to 2004)”, written while he was XO of the division with Jea3 as CO, and his memories posted in the old 3CD forum in 2012 and 2014. The text is unchanged apart from layout; a few characters damaged in the saved database are shown as plain quotation marks.

Source and credit: Extract2th — Former XO 401 Rams · Former CO/XO RCAF · Former XO 3CD. Timeline headings and summaries were added by the website. Read the complete Memory Lane discussion →

History of 3CD in WWIIOL (to 2004) The 3rd Canadian Division started in WWIIOL during the early turmoil of the AHC (Allied High Command) subsequent to launch of the game. 3CD was initially developed by the 3CD Godfather (Ready) as a non-AHC division that gave squads a chance to work together without AHC politics. It was realized that numbers bigger than a single squad were required to �move the map�. In essence, the organization was what AHC should have been, which allowed 3CD to grow rapidly in the number of member squads even though we were not affiliated with AHC and did not receive any of the developer support that AHC receives from CRS. The initial squad that started the 3CD were remnants of an older WWIIOL group known as the Red Berets. The Red Berets reorganized themselves into a ground squad (24th Dragoons) and air squad (the original WWIIOL 401 Rams squadron). The 24th and 401 squads formed the initial core of 3CD. From there other squads joined (4th Alabama, 4 Wing, 352nd fighter group, 63rd Blood and Fire, Pirates Battle Group, 225th Spectres, etc.) to make 3CD a solid fighting force. Times changed and AHC became more along the lines of what it was intended to be. In early 2002, 3CD was approached by Badger (who was in ARFR theater command at the time) and asked to help AHC with a organizational problem they were having. The Meuse Riverline between the BEF and ARFR forces was a frequent path for the axis to advance. AHC units were incapable of keeping that �zipper line� closed. The AHC units involved at the time were not interested in spending time with both sets of equipment to halt the axis advance as they were primarily interested in only playing with their chosen equipment (BEF or ARFR). 3CD was asked to become an official AHC division with all of its member squads with both a french and a british brigade to close that �zipper line�. We accepted the AHC offer, and served honorably in the ARFR orbat as the only PLAYER CREATED AHC DIVISION for 2+ years with our primary defensive �hometown� being Namur. There we gained a reputation as honorable players that our enemies knew they could count on for fair play and a good fight. 3CD was known at that time as one of the few units that followed a strict Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) that prohibited any form of camping, as well as other forms of unfair play. In early 2004, 3CD underwent massive internal change. Most of the squads that made up our French brigade decided it was time to strike out on their own as a separate unit, in a different AHC division. Those squads (75th Rangers and 225th Spectres) are now an integral portion of 4th MacRD in Corps Cavalrie. The remaining members from the French brigade and British brigade of 3CD decided that it was in their best interests to prepare for brigade spawn as the current orbat placement within ARFR would not allow those remaining members that preferred British equipment the ability to spawn that equipment under the French orbat. A solution was developed which moved the 3rd Canadian Division into the BEF orbat as the armored brigade of the 1st Royal Marine Division. 3CD gave up its status as a French Division and took the role as a British brigade. 3CD served with the 1st Royal Marine Division for 6+ months. During that time intersquad politics became devisive and it was decided that 3CD should not remain an AHC Division or Brigade any longer. The membership of 3CD had too much time and effort invested into the 3CD name and recognition to allow AHC the power of determining the future of the 3rd Canadian Division. That process involved the reorganization of 3CD from a AHC brigade to a squad. During this process and reorganization, some of the component squads decided it was in their best interests to maintain their own identities rather than simply unify into 3CD the squad. These squads (PBG, TWC) moved back to 3CD�s original hometown area of Namur and joined with the 75th Rangers and 225th Spectres in 4th MacRD. The 4 Wing squadron left 3CD to become one of the largest and most well known dedicated AHC air squadrons in game and joined the RAF orbat. The remaining squads of 3CD voted to drop their squad identities as they identified themselves primarily as 3CD and not that of another unit. 3CD had made a 3 year long transition from a full AHC division to a single squad. In the summer of 2004, CRS required AHC to reorganize. That reorganization eliminated 3CDs home as the armored brigade of the 1st Royal Marine Division. It was voted by the membership that a move back towards where our roots are would be in 3CD's best interest. As such, 3CD was moved into the 2nd Armored Brigade of the 2nd Infantry Division. We now serve as a BEF unit with our primary hometown being Eghezee. We have a working relationship with our former comrades in 4th MacRD just to our south in the French theater and you will find many of us giving support to each other as we had for 2+ years along the zipper line of the BEF and ARFR forces. The 3rd Canadian Division is proud to be a member of the Allied Armed Forces and the AHC. Our area of responsibility (AOR) is along the Sambre/Meuse Rivers with our home city being Eghezee. 3CD is a unit assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division, 2nd Armored Brigade (2AB) as our primary persona. We share this Brigade with three other squads (40 Commandos, British Rangers & 1st Spanish Company). This AHC ground presence along with our Air Wing, allow 3CD to bring all of the Allied military assets to bear on the Axis Horde! Our squad primarily plays with British equipment, but we do routinely venture south into the French AO. For more information about the 3rd Canadian Division follow this link --> www.thewaterrats.com (http://www.thewaterrats.com) Thanks to all for the hard work that was put into this squad. T <S> Extract2th Former XO 401 Rams Former CO/XO RCAF Former XO 3CD
I
Part I · Timeline

Timeline: Our start

  1. 2001

    Launch, a lone wolf and the Red Berets

    Extract2th began on the Axis side and found 3CD’s founders in the Allied air wing of the Red Berets.

    Read the original words

    I will go into a bit of my history with 3CD. I had spent 6 months or so from launch as a lonewolf playing for the axis. Of course this was a time where the axis were rolling every map and there were multiple maps after release due to CRS having coding problems that didn't allow them to have everybody in the same game world. Common thought on the axis side was that the allies were completely disorganized and incapable of winning any map. This belief carried over to when the bugs were finally worked out and all of the servers joined to one massively multiplayer universe. The axis in those days continued to roll map after map.

    I found myself spending most of my time flying for the axis as I had achieved rank there and really didn't want to go back to entry level equipment. I never tried any of the allied equipment, until I became bored and decided in late 2001 to early 2002 to finally give it a go.

    Soon after trying the allied I was flying and a group happened to spawn into the same airfield I did. The group included Robhood, Cryn, AWbash, Elfunko, Bruskie, and Roadie. They invited me along on their mission. I found the comradarie way beyond what I had seen at any time on the axis side as well as the organization. I had found he guys listed above to only scratch the surface, as I then discovered they were only the air wing of a larger squad called the Red Berets. I was invited to join the red Berets They did have a website pre existing 3CD as I recall. Not long after I joined, Ready, who happened to be squad leader for the Red Berets had met with other squads to create a player created division that could provide what had been lacking to that time. The game was a free for all, Squad play was a small part as most squads were too small to have significant impact on the free for all gameplay. AHC was inept and inadequate. 3CD was created with like minded squads to provide the structure that CRS had been unable to provide. When 3CD was created the Red berets split into two squads. The 401 ram air squad (which I became XO of under Robhood) and the 24th dragoons ground squad which folded into the now long familiar ground brigades with the other squad that joined up to create a true division.

    — Extract2th, August 4, 2012 · “Memory Lane” thread
  2. 2001–2002

    A player-created division is born

    Ready, the “3CD Godfather”, built a non-AHC division from the Red Berets’ 24th Dragoons and 401 Rams, and other squads soon joined.

    Read the original words (2 extracts)

    The 3rd Canadian Division started in WWIIOL during the early turmoil of the AHC (Allied High Command) subsequent to launch of the game. 3CD was initially developed by the 3CD Godfather (Ready) as a non-AHC division that gave squads a chance to work together without AHC politics. It was realized that numbers bigger than a single squad were required to "move the map". In essence, the organization was what AHC should have been, which allowed 3CD to grow rapidly in the number of member squads even though we were not affiliated with AHC and did not receive any of the developer support that AHC receives from CRS. The initial squad that started the 3CD were remnants of an older WWIIOL group known as the Red Berets. The Red Berets reorganized themselves into a ground squad (24th Dragoons) and air squad (the original WWIIOL 401 Rams squadron). The 24th and 401 squads formed the initial core of 3CD. From there other squads joined (4th Alabama, 4 Wing, 352nd fighter group, 63rd Blood and Fire, Pirates Battle Group, 225th Spectres, etc.) to make 3CD a solid fighting force.

    — Extract2th, August 4, 2012 · “Memory Lane” thread (from his “History of 3CD in WWIIOL (to 2004)”, written in 2004 as XO and reposted in this thread)

    It is so long ago now that the details are sketchy and hundreds of usertags are long forgotten. I wrote a history of the 3CD back in 2004 when I was XO of the division. (JEA was CO) As an aside see under the media thread for a copy of our recruitment letter during that time. Not long after this I made multiple moves which placed me in an area where internet service was insufficient to reliably continue my love for the game and 3CD as well as life changes that took me back to the real world.

    — Extract2th, August 4, 2012 · “Memory Lane” thread
  3. 5 July 2002

    The 3CD squad is created

    The official squad page records 3rd Canadian Division as created on 5 July 2002.

    Source: official 3CD squad page ↗.

  4. Early days

    The 4th Alabama and the 352nd

    The 4th Alabama, an 8th Brigade member squad, was led by Raf. Lynx4th and Smedley were Brigadier Generals in it (Smedley a Divisional Brigadier General), and Raf and Lynx4th both flew.

    Jea3 and Barely8 came in with the 352nd Fighter Group; Jea3 then joined the 4th Alabama with Raf and Lynx4th. Duffman and Surly1, early mentors to the newcomers, flew close by with Robhood’s crew.

    Memory Lane (3 Aug 2012); squad signatures from the original 3CD website (2003); the 352nd and the 4th Alabama are listed among 3CD’s member squads in Extract2th’s 2004 history (above).

Part II

How we formed up

2002–2003

Member squads joined and the division was organised into brigades. Malus trained the squad to snipe and sap tanks and led the training nights. Dogness led 3CD as CO in its prime, when 15–25 turned out every night and the late nights ran later because Dogness came on late; Jea3 followed him as CO, with Ready and Extract2th among the XOs.

II
Part II · How we formed up

Order of battle, 2002

The make-up of 3CD in 2002, from the archived enlistment form.

3rd Canadian Divisionplayer-created division
7th BrigadeEghezee
8th BrigadeNamur4th AlabamaPirates Battle Group (as remembered by Jea3)Pirates: Jarhead9 · Puma55 · Phew
9th BrigadeProfondeville · later 1SC under Sider
RCAFair wing

Member squads, 2002

British side

4 Wing24th Dragoons101st BAD

French side

4th Alabama225th SpectersPirates Battle Group

RCAF

401 Rams · fighters405 Eagles · bombers352nd Fighter Group

From the archived 3CD enlistment form; brigade details recalled by Jea3. 3CD followed a strict SOP that prohibited camping and other unfair play.

Later structure

Ground

Second Armoured Brigade

Air

75th CAG Squadron

As named on the later 3CD logo (Second Armoured Brigade · 75th CAG Squadron).

Order of battle

Squads of 3CD

The squads that came together as the 3rd Canadian Division, as far as the surviving records show. Items marked uncertain rest on a single recollection.

Founding lineage

  1. Canada Corps · from launch, 2001. Remembered by Johnny9s and Robhood as the squad that came before 3CD; Johnny9s recalled Shogun as leader with Tactics and Ready as second in command uncertain.
  2. Red Berets · led by Ready, the “3CD Godfather”. Its air wing included Robhood, Cryn, Awbash, Elfunko, Bruskie and Roadie (Extract2th).
  3. 24th Dragoons (ground) and 401 Rams (air) · the Red Berets split into these two squads, which “formed the initial core of 3CD” (Extract2th). Robhood led the 401 Rams with Extract2th as XO; Malus took command of the 24th Dragoons in August 2002.
  4. Pale Riders · “a very small group of tankers/cav scouts” that became the nucleus of 3CD’s tank corps, dropping its own name to form 3CD with the Red Berets (Malus).
  5. The Water Rats · the squad’s nickname and website name, thewaterrats.com. Johnny9s remembered Canada Corps becoming the Red Berets, then the Water Rats, then 3CD uncertain.

Brigades

7th Brigade · “Camerons”
British (BEF). Malus was appointed CO in September 2002. In the Andenne operation it held Eghezee.
8th Brigade
Included the 4th Alabama, a French-side (ArFr) squad; Jea3 was 8th Brigade CO at Huy. In the Andenne operation it held Namur, then joined the drive on Andenne.
9th Brigade
Moved equipment from Profondeville to Namur for the Andenne operation. Jea3 recalled it “is now 1SC with Sider” uncertain.
RCAF
3CD’s air wing: the 401 Rams, the 405 Eagles and the 352nd Fighter Group. Extract2th later served as its CO/XO.

Member squads

From the 2002 enlistment form and Extract2th’s history. The side shows the equipment each squad fought with.

  • 24th DragoonsGround · British
  • 4 WingAir · British
  • 101st BADBritish
  • 4th Alabama8th Brigade · French
  • 225th SpectresFrench
  • Pirates Battle Group (PBG)French
  • 401 RamsFighter squadron · RCAF
  • 405 EaglesBomber squadron · RCAF
  • 352nd Fighter GroupRCAF
  • 63rd Blood and FireSide not recorded
  • 75th RangersFrench brigade
  • TWCFull name not recorded uncertain

In early 2004 the French-brigade squads (75th Rangers, 225th Spectres) moved to 4th MacRD in the Corps de Cavalerie, later joined by PBG and TWC; 4 Wing became a dedicated air squadron under the RAF; the remaining squads voted to become one squad, 3CD.

Squad insignia, 2003

225th Spectres squad crest
225th Spectres
4th Alabama squad patch
4th Alabama
4 Wing squadron crest
4 Wing

From the original 3CD forum (archived April 2003).

Sources: Extract2th’s “History of 3CD in WWIIOL (to 2004)”; the 2002 enlistment form on thewaterrats.com (Wayback Machine); Malus’ Combat Log (2002); Jea3, Malus and Johnny9s on the squad forum (2012).

II
Part II · Timeline

Timeline: How we formed up

  1. 2002–2003

    Campaigns from Malus’ Combat Log

    Malus kept a blog of 3CD operations as he went. A few dated moments from 2002 and 2003. Read all his After Action Reports →

    Open the campaign log (8 entries)
    1. Late August 2002Malus voted CO of the 24th Dragoons

      Malus took over the 24th Dragoons, 3rd Canadian Division.

      “they voted me into the CO slot - we will see if their support was well placed.”

      — Malus, Malus’ Combat Log ↗
    2. 30 August 2002Out from Namur; the Andenne FB blown

      The division pressed its screenline out from Namur and destroyed the Axis forward base at Andenne, but lost Eghezee.

      “kudos to Jea3, Secret, Fastiger, Mgoddard, H0ss, and a cast of thousands for kicking some serious butt.”

      — Malus, Malus’ Combat Log ↗
    3. 3 September 2002The Verviers operation

      An all-night push through Hamteau and Manhay ended with the Verviers operation, run by Snides.

      “Duffman - for cleaning up much of the vultures at the Verviers AF; Snides for running the Verviers operation … Staffsgt for running the SAB cap team - it went off like clockwork”

      — Malus, Malus’ Combat Log ↗
    4. 6 September 2002Tank group at Vise

      Colt25, Staffsgt, Willytee and Malus took tanks to prep Vise, ahead of the Maastricht and Aachen operations.

      “spawned tanks (Colt25, Staffsgt, Willytee and myself …). We practiced some basic armor formations enroute to our jump off point NW of Vise.”

      — Malus, Malus’ Combat Log ↗
    5. 9–10 September 2002Malus appointed CO, 7th Brigade (Camerons)

      He ran operations across the 3CD area the same night: Profondeville, Anhée, and feints at Andenne and Ciney.

      “I was appointed CO for 7th Brigade (Camerons) last night.”

      — Malus, Malus’ Combat Log ↗
    6. 25–27 September 2002Profondeville, Cerfontaine and the bridge south of Namur

      Aw1ace organised attacks on Profondeville. On 27 September (logged on the 28th) the 9th Highlanders secured Cerfontaine, then the Camerons’ armour rolled toward the bridge south of Namur.

      “aw1ace was organizing an attack on Profondeville.”

      — Malus, Malus’ Combat Log ↗
    7. 7 October 2002Aw1ace and Warchant run the evening’s ops

      When Malus logged in, Aw1ace and Warchant were already running operations: Havelange, Andenne, Ciney and Havelange again. Andenne was Allied by the next morning.

      “Last night I logged in and aw1ace and warchant were running ops already.”

      — Malus, 8 October 2002, Malus’ Combat Log ↗
      Screenshot: another panzer, Aw1ace asks about capping Ciney
      Screenshot (likely: Aw1ace on squad chat about “caping ciney”) · in the gallery
    8. December 2003Small operations around Rochefort, Spontin and Givet

      Late-night ops kept Rochefort “ping ponged”, and tanks came down from Spontin to support the attack on the Givet (Haybes) forward base.

      “kept Rochefort ping ponged from 3am to past 6am - and tied up at least 6 enemy troopers and a BF110 doing it.”

      — Malus, Malus’ Combat Log ↗

    Source: Malus’ Combat Log (combatlog.blogspot.com) ↗. Quotes are Malus’ own words, shortened.

Part III

Stopping the Zipper

2002–2003

GHC’s push down the Meuse, the “zipper line”, and the night the whole squad stopped it: Andenne, then Huy and Bouillet.

III
Part III · Timeline

Timeline: Stopping the Zipper

  1. Early 2002called up by 14 May 2002

    Closing the “zipper line” at Namur

    3CD became the only player-created AHC division, holding the Meuse riverline between the BEF and ARFR. Extract2th remembered “Ready and the ground brigades rolled Namur for the 3CD back in the golden years”.

    On 14 May 2002 the WWII Online front page announced it: “CANADIANS MOVE INTO NAMUR SECTOR. After recent Allied High Command requests, the 3rd Canadian Division has been called up for duty in the dangerous area along the Sambre and Meuse rivers near Namur… a mix of units using either British or French equipment, but co-ordinating as one unit working with machinelike precision.” The piece was written by Acelin, 3CD’s own press officer; Malus later said he “took some artistic license there - but this was definitely the beginning of the high point”.

    Front-page clipping (14 May 2002) as quoted by Malus, Memory Lane (12 Aug 2012).

    Read the original words

    Times changed and AHC became more along the lines of what it was intended to be. In early 2002, 3CD was approached by Badger (who was in ARFR theater command at the time) and asked to help AHC with a organizational problem they were having. The Meuse Riverline between the BEF and ARFR forces was a frequent path for the axis to advance. AHC units were incapable of keeping that "zipper line" closed. The AHC units involved at the time were not interested in spending time with both sets of equipment to halt the axis advance as they were primarily interested in only playing with their chosen equipment (BEF or ARFR). 3CD was asked to become an official AHC division with all of its member squads with both a french and a british brigade to close that "zipper line". We accepted the AHC offer, and served honorably in the ARFR orbat as the only PLAYER CREATED AHC DIVISION for 2+ years with our primary defensive "hometown" being Namur. There we gained a reputation as honorable players that our enemies knew they could count on for fair play and a good fight. 3CD was known at that time as one of the few units that followed a strict Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) that prohibited any form of camping, as well as other forms of unfair play.

    — Extract2th, August 4, 2012 · “Memory Lane” thread (from his “History of 3CD in WWIIOL (to 2004)”, written in 2004 as XO and reposted in this thread)
    Screenshot: holding the bunker at Namur
    Screenshot (likely this era: “Who took flag Namur”) · in the gallery
  2. c. 2002–2003approx.

    The Zipper Line: Andenne, Huy and Bouillet

    German spawn camping, 3CD calling out GHC’s Shilling, Badger’s warning, the three brigades, and the night 3CD took Andenne, then Huy and Bouillet. The whole story is told once, in the featured chapter just below. Read The Zipper Line →

Featured story · from the squad’s memories

The Zipper Line

It began with spawn camping and a call-out to GHC’s Shilling. It ended with 3CD’s biggest win on the Meuse: Andenne, then Huy and Bouillet, taken by all three brigades and the RCAF.

1 The zipper line

In the early years GHC, the Axis high command, had their way down the Meuse, the seam between the British (BEF) and French (ARFR) forces. 3CD called it the zipper line. 3CD was formed and asked to hold that river line from Eghezee to Anhée and Profondeville, and east and west of it.

2 The spark

The Germans kept spawn camping in 3CD’s area, and 3CD kept yelling about it. The units 3CD normally faced, like the Iron Wolves and SG, didn’t do that, and 3CD had its own SOP against camping. Then a new unit came into the area and really got under the squad’s skin. 3CD’s command (then Jea3 as CO, with Ready as XO) felt that Shilling, as the man in charge of GHC, should be the one to address it, and one night on TS 3CD called him out on the camping, in words we won’t print here.

3 The warning

Shilling told Badger he would make it a point to go after 3CD. Badger, his Allied counterpart (ARFR theatre command in early 2002; later CRS staff: Assistant Community Manager in 2016 and Community Manager from September 2023), had a great rapport with 3CD’s CO, and warned the squad.

4 Three brigades

3CD split into its three brigades, as had always been planned, each under its own brigade CO:

  1. 7th Brigade To Eghezee, to defend it. Its first wave brought supplies up from behind Eghezee and set up ambushes from Eghezee to Andenne.
  2. 8th Brigade To Namur, to defend it.
  3. 9th Brigade Now Sider’s 1SC: moving equipment from Profondeville to Namur.

5 Andenne

When GHC committed to the attack on Eghezee, Aw1ace took command of defending Eghezee and Namur. The RCAF had staged west of Namur without letting the FB know something was coming. Most of the 8th and 9th Brigades took no FBs to Andenne but drove right around it, drawing supplies from upriver at Sambreville, set up on the cliffs overlooking the town and rushed it from two directions: from the north side of the river with ATGs, and from the south side cliffs. 3CD also cut Andenne off from the forest to its north-east. With so much of GHC’s equipment tied up at Eghezee, they had nothing really to defend with, and 3CD took Andenne while GHC was trying for Eghezee.

RCAF Owning the skies

Robhood, Pmike and many more took off from the Brussels and Maubeuge airfields to cover the attack, and they owned the skies.

Leading the roles that night: Staffsgt, Edmond, Malus and many others each led a role.

3CD went on to take Huy and Bouillet, the town north of Huy, as well.

“It took a lot of coordination and effort from everyone, but man, it was fun.”

— 3CD’s CO, remembering the night

6 Aftermath

3CD “won in a very big way”. Shilling never spoke to 3CD’s CO again, and to this day doesn’t care for 3CD.

— Jea3, Memory Lane (3 Aug 2012)

Jea3, Memory Lane (3 Aug 2012), confirmed by him as the true story; the spark’s detail, the 7th’s ambushes, the Sambreville supplies, the RCAF, the leaders, Huy and Bouillet from his account to the site (2026), confirmed by him. Badger’s 2002 role: Extract2th’s history; his CRS roles: CRS’s Reddit AMA (June 2016) and Steam news (September 2023). Undated; about 2002–2003. See also the Huy attack plan.

The zipper line: 3CD at Eghezee, Namur and AndenneSchematic, not to scale. The Meuse runs north from Anhée past Profondeville to Namur, then east past Andenne to Huy. GHC attacks Eghezee, held by the 7th Brigade, with Aw1ace commanding the defence of Eghezee and Namur. The 8th Brigade holds Namur and the 9th moves equipment from Profondeville to Namur. Most of the 8th and 9th drive around to Andenne and strike it from the cliffs and from both banks, with ATGs on the north bank, cutting it off from the forest to its north-east. The RCAF flies air cover from the Brussels and Maubeuge airfields. Huy and Bouillet are marked as taken. Meuse BRUSSELS AFMAUBEUGE AFRCAF air cover GHC ATTACK FOREST cut off ATGs · north bank cliffs · south bank most of 8th + 9th drive around NAMUR PROFONDEVILLE ANHÉE EGHEZEE ANDENNE HUY BOUILLET HUY + BOUILLET TAKENTAKEN 7TH BDEdefends Aw1ace commands Eghezee+ Namur defence 8TH BDEdefends Namur 9TH BDE · 1SCequipment → Namur 7th ambushes RCAFstaged supplies from Sambreville SCHEMATIC · NOT TO SCALE
Schematic of the operation as the squad remembers it. Town positions are approximate; no other details are implied.
Part IV

One of the Allied side’s best-known units

2002 onward

Two AHC Unit Citations, a reputation across the Allied side, and the years that followed, right up to today.

IV
Part IV · One of the Allied side’s best-known units

Service in Allied High Command

Jea3’s recollection

Several 3CD members went on to serve on AHC (Allied High Command) staff in WWII Online. Barely8 rose very high in AHC (his exact rank is not recorded), Malus became 3IC of the Royal Marine Division, and Jea3 was CO of the Corps de Cavalerie, which led 3CD and several other French-side units from the Namur / Eghezee sector south.

Jea3’s AHC signature: Lt. General Jea3, Corps de Cavalerie Commanding Officer
Jea3’s squad signature from the original website: “Lt. General Jea3 · Corps de Cavalerie Commanding Officer · AHC · ArFr”.
AHC area-of-operations map marking the Corps Cav sector
AHC area-of-operations map from the original website, marking the “Corps Cav” sector (TGPO map dated 20 June 2003).

The COs who led 3CD

3CD has been led by a line of Commanding Officers, each of whom carried the division in his time: Dogness, Jea3, Lazsnipe, Jarhead9 and Railrd (remembered on our Fallen comrades page). Jea3 also served in AHC, as CO of the Corps de Cavalerie and in other AHC posts (Jea3).

Blkhwk8 · the AHC officer above the Corps de Cavalerie

Blkhwk8 was never a member of 3CD; he served in Allied High Command. Around 2003–2005, when Jea3 was CO of the Corps de Cavalerie, Blkhwk8 ranked above him and Jea3 reported to him. They did a lot together, and he remains a longtime friend of Jea3’s: when he sees Jea3 in game he still stops to chat (Jea3). From 2018 he was a CRS Community Manager, then Allied Assistant Community Manager (2018–19, returning in September 2020), and an XO of 7th Army Allied Strike (7th AST). He took part in the Betty vs Opel race.

Based on Jea3’s recollection as CO of 3CD. The images are preserved from the original squad website.

IV
Part IV · Timeline

Timeline: One of the Allied side’s best-known units

  1. c. 2002–2004approx.

    Two AHC Unit Citations for 3CD

    Allied High Command awarded 3CD two official squad Unit Citations, worn on Jea3’s signature as CO alongside a rack of AHC ribbons, one of them bearing the name of Badger, the Allied Commander-in-Chief. See AHC Honours →

    Jea3’s squad signature (original website); dates of the awards not recorded. Confirmed by the CO.

  2. c. 2003–2005

    Betty vs Opel: a friendly race with the Axis

    Undated; the era is approximate. Allied Bedford trucks (“Betty”) took on Axis Opels in a friendly race. Jea3 was in a truck at the finish, and Blkhwk8 (AHC) was part of the race. In chat Hastien “shakes allies hand tells him good run” and “beats head against truck”.

    Screenshot: the finish of the Betty vs Opel race, seen from Jea3’s truck
    Screenshot by Jea3 (date approximate) · in the gallery

    Our usual opponents

    On the Axis side, 3CD’s usual rivals were the Iron Wolves (1LB), as Jea3 recalls. On 16 August 2012 Cammel, a former comrade, stopped by the forum to say hello after four years on the Axis side with 1LB “Iron Wolves” (forum thread).

    Another Axis squad, Windhund, was remembered just as well. Yortsed: “winhund was/?is? axis squad, they were our opposition in namur, andenne, ramet years ago, and were a solid group with similar play style and standard as 3cd… a stand up bunch in the day” (Squad Night Tonight, 19 Aug 2012).

  3. August 2004

    Willytee in the Community Report

    The official WWII Online Community Report of 27 August 2004 mentioned Willytee’s work.

    “Many of you know her sweet side from the latest willytee comic movie and comics.”

    — WWII Online Community Report, 27 August 2004 · archived copy ↗
  4. 2004–2005

    Recruiting, and the history preserved

    Extract2th’s history and the 3CD enlistment letter were used to recruit; Lazsnipe, as 3CD CO, carried the history into the Allied recruiting forum.

    Read the original words

    A google search shows some of my original history text remains here (it was cut and pasted by lazsnipe during his stent as 3CD CO in 2005) in a recruitment thread posted on the Allied recruitment forum:

    http://forums.battlegroundeurope.com/showthread.php?t=16730

    Cut and pasted below (keep in mind this history only went up to 2004 as I no longer was involved sufficiently to keep 3CDs history up to date.

    — Extract2th, August 4, 2012 · “Memory Lane” thread
  5. 2004–2007

    Later operations

    Two more dated moments from Malus’ Combat Log.

    Open (2 entries)
    1. 30 October 2004Lazsnipe commands the Sedan defence

      In the RED vs. BLUE special event, Lazsnipe was CO of the Sedan defence.

      “our fearless leader - Lazsnipe CO of Sedan Defense …”

      — Malus, Malus’ Combat Log ↗
    2. 18 March 2007Ronse taken, the Brakel FB destroyed

      3CD moved on Ronse, took the town and destroyed the forward base from Brakel.

      “After that 3CD moved to Ronse - and we took down that town, as well as the FB from Brakal.”

      — Malus, Malus’ Combat Log ↗
  6. 24 October 2005approx.

    3CD re-registered on the squad roster

    The game’s squad roster shows many long-serving members, among them Jea3, Malus, Robhood, Dogness, Sun and SNAIL, all “joined” on the same day, 24 October 2005, although they were in 3CD years earlier. It most likely marks the squad being re-registered in the game’s squad system rather than real join dates. The squad itself is recorded as created on 5 July 2002.

    Source: WWII Online squad tools, 3CD roster ↗

  7. 16–17 June 2006

    Allied para drop on Willemstad

    Ready, one of 3CD’s founders, shot and edited the movie of the BEF airborne assault on Willemstad.

    Watch “Allied Para Drop on Willemstad” on YouTube ↗ · Ready’s card · More films

  8. From 2007

    Rock of the Meuse · Friday squad nights

    Squad command: CO Jea3, XO Railrd, XXO Staffsgt. Squad nights every Friday from around 9 PM EST.

    Railrd’s CO banner for 3CD (2nd Armoured Brigade) reads “Rock of the Meuse” and “CO Railrd, 2007 – present”. The two records are shown as found; their exact years are not dated beyond the banner.

    Sources: old 3CD Soldiers site (squad command and squad nights) and Railrd’s banner from wwiionline.3cdgamers.com.

Part V

The break-up, and how 3CD lived on

2004 to today

The member squads went their own ways and the division became a single squad, but the name, the tag and the friendships stayed. This is how 3CD carried on.

V
Part V · The break-up, and how 3CD lived on

How 3CD lived on

3CD was built from many squads, and in 2004 that began to change. In Extract2th’s account, the squads of the French brigade struck out on their own in 4th MacRD, 4 Wing left to become one of the best-known dedicated AHC air squadrons, and the squads that stayed voted to drop their own identities because they saw themselves first as 3CD. Over three years 3CD went from a full AHC division to a single squad.

“It seems so odd now that our group broke down the way we did. Even early on we had all adopted the same squad key to recognize each other as 3CD even though we all belonged to different squads within that group. It wasn’t an issue until CRS hardcoded [the rules] that forced us to break ourselves up, which of course created bad feelings.”

Extract2th, “Memory Lane”, 4 August 2012 · Read in the archive

The name lived on because people kept it alive. In 2012, with the old forum quiet, the squad was asked whether to keep 3CD going. Malus wrote that “the only constant from an online gaming perspective for me over the last decade has been WWIIonline and 3CD”, and that “Jea has shouldered the burden of keeping this thing going for so long”. Extract2th saw no “need to disband the squad key in game”. When the vote closed, the answer was four words: “We keep it going.”

Sources: Extract2th, Memory Lane (4 Aug 2012) and the 2012 vote (5 Aug 2012); Malus, the 2012 vote (4 Aug 2012); Jea3, 22 Aug 2012.

Dogness, Jea3, Lazsnipe, Jarhead9 and Railrd (remembered on our Fallen page) have all led 3CD as Commanding Officer, and Edmond was a past CO too. None of it would mean anything without the squad: every Water Rat who still logs in, posts, or comes back to say hello is why 3CD is still here.

V
Part V · Timeline

Timeline: How 3CD lived on

  1. Early 2004

    Massive internal change

    The French brigade left for 4th MacRD; 3CD moved to the BEF as the armoured brigade of the 1st Royal Marine Division.

    Read the original words

    In early 2004, 3CD underwent massive internal change. Most of the squads that made up our French brigade decided it was time to strike out on their own as a separate unit, in a different AHC division. Those squads (75th Rangers and 225th Spectres) are now an integral portion of 4th MacRD in Corps Cavalrie. The remaining members from the French brigade and British brigade of 3CD decided that it was in their best interests to prepare for brigade spawn as the current orbat placement within ARFR would not allow those remaining members that preferred British equipment the ability to spawn that equipment under the French orbat. A solution was developed which moved the 3rd Canadian Division into the BEF orbat as the armored brigade of the 1st Royal Marine Division. 3CD gave up its status as a French Division and took the role as a British brigade.

    — Extract2th, August 4, 2012 · “Memory Lane” thread (from his “History of 3CD in WWIIOL (to 2004)”, written in 2004 as XO and reposted in this thread)

    Malus’ view of 2004

    Early in 2004 Malus was appointed AXO of 3CD. By spring 3CD served as the 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade in the Royal Marine Division, with Malus as the division’s third-in-command.

    “I’ve been made the 3IC of the Royal Marine Division … Before that, I had been the XO of the 2nd Canadian Armored Brigade (formerly 3rd Canadian Division …)”

    — Malus, 12 April 2004 · Malus’ Combat Log ↗
  2. c. mid-2004approx.

    From division to squad

    After six months with the Royal Marines, 3CD completed a three-year transition from a full AHC division to a single squad.

    Read the original words (2 extracts)

    3CD served with the 1st Royal Marine Division for 6+ months. During that time intersquad politics became devisive and it was decided that 3CD should not remain an AHC Division or Brigade any longer. The membership of 3CD had too much time and effort invested into the 3CD name and recognition to allow AHC the power of determining the future of the 3rd Canadian Division. That process involved the reorganization of 3CD from a AHC brigade to a squad. During this process and reorganization, some of the component squads decided it was in their best interests to maintain their own identities rather than simply unify into 3CD the squad. These squads (PBG, TWC) moved back to 3CD’s original hometown area of Namur and joined with the 75th Rangers and 225th Spectres in 4th MacRD. The 4 Wing squadron left 3CD to become one of the largest and most well known dedicated AHC air squadrons in game and joined the RAF orbat. The remaining squads of 3CD voted to drop their squad identities as they identified themselves primarily as 3CD and not that of another unit. 3CD had made a 3 year long transition from a full AHC division to a single squad.

    — Extract2th, August 4, 2012 · “Memory Lane” thread (from his “History of 3CD in WWIIOL (to 2004)”, written in 2004 as XO and reposted in this thread)

    It seems so odd now that our group broke down the way we did. Even early on we had all adopted the same squad key to recognize each other as 3CD even though we all belonged to different squads within that group. It wasn't an issue until CRS hardcoded the crap that forced us to break ourselves up, which of course created bad feelings. Hopefully since I have been out of game regularly for the last 6 years some of those wounds have healed over, but it was never the same.

    — Extract2th, August 4, 2012 · “Memory Lane” thread
  3. Summer 2004in place by Sept 2004

    2nd Armoured Brigade · home city Eghezee

    CRS reorganised AHC; 3CD moved into the 2nd Armoured Brigade of the 2nd Infantry Division along the Sambre/Meuse.

    Read the original words

    In the summer of 2004, CRS required AHC to reorganize. That reorganization eliminated 3CDs home as the armored brigade of the 1st Royal Marine Division. It was voted by the membership that a move back towards where our roots are would be in 3CD's best interest. As such, 3CD was moved into the 2nd Armored Brigade of the 2nd Infantry Division. We now serve as a BEF unit with our primary hometown being Eghezee. We have a working relationship with our former comrades in 4th MacRD just to our south in the French theater and you will find many of us giving support to each other as we had for 2+ years along the zipper line of the BEF and ARFR forces.

    The 3rd Canadian Division is proud to be a member of the Allied Armed Forces and the AHC. Our area of responsibility (AOR) is along the Sambre/Meuse Rivers with our home city being Eghezee. 3CD is a unit assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division, 2nd Armored Brigade (2AB) as our primary persona. We share this Brigade with three other squads (40 Commandos, British Rangers & 1st Spanish Company). This AHC ground presence along with our Air Wing, allow 3CD to bring all of the Allied military assets to bear on the Axis Horde! Our squad primarily plays with British equipment, but we do routinely venture south into the French AO.

    For more information about the 3rd Canadian Division follow this link --> www.thewaterrats.com

    Thanks to all for the hard work that was put into this squad. T

    <S>
    Extract2th
    Former XO 401 Rams
    Former CO/XO RCAF
    Former XO 3CD

    — Extract2th, August 4, 2012 · “Memory Lane” thread (from his “History of 3CD in WWIIOL (to 2004)”, written in 2004 as XO and reposted in this thread)

    Date check: on 12 April 2004 Malus wrote that he was XO of the 2nd Canadian Armored Brigade within the 1st Royal Marine Division; on 6 September 2004 he wrote “The new orbat is upon us - and the Royal Marine Division is no more”. — Malus’ Combat Log

    6 September 2004

    “The new orbat is upon us - and the Royal Marine Division is no more…”

    — Malus · Malus’ Combat Log ↗
  4. c. 2006approx.

    Smedley rounds up the old hands

    Even after the break-up, the squad kept calling its people home. Smedley posted to former members that “the 3rd Canadian Division will be holding a major reunion in WWIIOL on June 30th. A round up is currently underway for all former 3CD members.”

    Smedley3CD, GTPlanet forums, in a thread started in January 2006 · Read the post ↗

  5. August 2012

    “All good things pass”

    When Jea3 asked whether to close up 3CD, Extract2th remembered the golden years flying CAP with the 401 Rams.

    Read the original words

    Thanks for attempting to hold the group together as long as you can. I have been out of the gaming field for the last number of years since I have satellite internet that simply doesn't work for gaming. My fondest gaming memories are of this group and flying cap when the 401 Rams were just one of the squads that made up this group. Long hours of flying with Robhood, Cryn, Elfunko, Roadie, Canuckeh, Bruskie, and AWbash while Ready and the ground brigades rolled Namur for the 3CD back in the golden years starting soon after launch of WWII Online back in 2001. We succeeded where everyone else had failed. I knew the few times I have attempted to come back it was nice having a site that you could find some of those old faces and names.

    But all good things pass. Thanks for the memories.

    :'(

    <S>
    -Ex

    — Extract2th, August 3, 2012 · “Closing up 3CD” thread
  6. 4–5 August 2012

    Last bunker standing at Metz

    With the Allies cutting the Germans off at Wellin, Allied High Command asked 3CD to hang on at Metz. Jea3, Malus, Yortsed and Ropo held the airfield bunker for 125 minutes, the last bunker standing, and helped retake the town: “Everyone thanked 3CD, and we are being put in for a medal for being the last bunker standing, last men in town.” Whether the medal was awarded is not recorded. For the honours AHC did award 3CD, see AHC Honours.

    Jea3, Last night 8/4/2012 in wwiiol (5 Aug 2012).

  7. August 2012

    The 2004 enlistment letter

    Extract2th shared the squad’s 2004 enlistment letter before the old site was due to close.

    Read the original words

    Just thought before the site goes down I would post the last thing I still have hanging around on my network systems from back in the day. Attached you will find the enlistment letter from 2004 for someone besides myself to hold onto.

    Great memories.

    — Extract2th, August 3, 2012 · “Media” thread · the attached letter file did not survive in the backup
  8. 22 August 2012

    3CD stays active and becomes a Host Squad

    The squad poll said keep 3CD alive. Allied High Command encouraged the squad to rebuild with the new free-account players, and 3CD joined CRS’s Host Squad programme for new recruits. Command was set as Jea3 CO, Malus XO and Willytee XXO.

    Jea3, 3CD to stay active (22 Aug 2012) and the Host Squad manual.

  9. 2012 onward

    Carrying the 3CD name

    As the member squads went their own ways, the squad kept the 3CD name alive: Malus as XO and Willytee as XXO in 2012, with old hands like Ready, Smedley, Staffsgt and Robhood coming back in game.

    3CD has been proud of all its Commanding Officers: Dogness, Lazsnipe, Jarhead9 and Railrd, along with Edmond and, since 2012, Jea3. No exact dates survive for their commands, so none are given here.

    The name, the tag and the squad never went away: 3CD is still on the WWII Online roster, and the door is still open to every old Water Rat.

    Squad records and the old 3CD forum (2012); CO list from the squad’s own account (2026).

  10. September 2012

    Old hands back in game

    Ready, one of 3CD’s founders, came back to the game. With Jea3 and Malus he joined the fight for Sambreville, then went to Geel, where “Malus and Ready screened incoming EI”. Soon “Smedley, Ready, Malus, Locz and Staff are all back in game.”

    Back in game by 7 September 2012: Smedley, Ready, Malus, Locz and Staff (Staffsgt), with Jea3.

    Jea3, AAR 9/5/12 (6 Sept 2012) and “New movie…” (7 Sept 2012).

  11. 14 September 2012

    The first Host Squad rotation

    3CD’s first Host Squad rotation began on 14 September 2012. Within days some 800 new recruits had joined; Ropo reported the squad had passed 1,000 members, and Malus and Ropo worked squad chat to welcome them. Jayhawk7, one of the first recruits, flew missions with Malus.

    Malus, Host Squad Status (16–19 Sept 2012).

  12. January 2014

    A familiar tag

    Still checking in years later.

    Read the original words

    Happened to see you in game tis week brusque hitting monchen gladbach. Was good to see a familiar tag.

    — Extract2th, January 15, 2014 · “Media” thread
  13. May 2014

    Keeping the website going

    Extract2th helped pay to keep the 3CD website going, and Robhood was back in game with the squad.

    Read the original words

    Great to see you! Robhood and I have been active again, but we come and go as well. Do you need me to put you into 3CD or did you want that account free to roam?

    Extract gave me some money to help keep the website going. I'm not letting it go anywhere. Great thing is, with the login the way it is, we aren't getting hacked anymore. ;)

    S! bud

    — Jea3, May 22, 2014 · “In wwiiol” thread
  14. July 2023

    The newest Water Rat

    On 9 July 2023 Kevlar032 became the most recent member to join the 3CD squad.

    Source: official 3CD squad page ↗.

Beyond the story

People, honours and memories

The people behind 3CD, its Past Command hall of honour, the AHC honours in detail, how squad nights were planned, and the real division that gave us our name.

Beyond the story

People who made 3CD

A few of the people behind 3CD, in Jea3’s words. For everyone who led the squad see Past Command below and today’s Current Command Staff; for those we have lost see Fallen comrades.

Night in-game screenshot: 3CD infantry gathered around a captured German light tank
The old guard: Ready, Sun, Jarhead9, Barely8, Ubique, Dragyn, Rob7, Cammel and Stinger3 (front) gathered around a captured tank, with Duffman calling “3cd, where am I needed?” in chat. Malus usually led these training nights. Screenshot by Jea3.
In-game screenshot: 3CD infantry on a firing-line drill in a field
Training drill: Barely8, Duke2, Orde, Blitzv, Xdog, Sun, Ezryder, Edmond and Jarhead9 on the firing line, while Raf heads off to try an A13. Screenshot by Jea3. Raf, Duke2 and Warchant chat on the 3CD squad channel (orange squad flag).
Jea3Current CO · CO · since 2012Current CO, leading 3CD for the last 10 years (since c.More

Current CO, leading 3CD for the last 10 years (since c. 2016). CO of 3CD continuously since 2012. Also led 3CD in its earlier years, and served in AHC (Corps de Cavalerie and more). Earlier: 352nd Fighter Group, then the 4th Alabama; ran the 8th Brigade, and was 3CD CO in its prime.

  1. Early 2002Flew with the 352nd Fighter Group, then joined the 4th Alabama in 8th Brigade.
  2. Early years8th Brigade CO at Huy; then CO of 3CD in its earlier years, and served in AHC.
  3. AHCCO of the Corps de Cavalerie.
  4. LaterRebuilt the squad website.
  5. 2012 – presentCO continuously since 2012.
  6. 2012 – presentCO continuously since 2012.
Appears in
65 more
Jea3’s squad signature
13,923 sorties10,961 kills1.22 K/DLt Col · French Armyas of Oct 2026
Squad record ↗
AwbashCo-founderCo-founder of 3CD with Ready, and a pilot in Robhood’s air wing, the 401 Rams.More

Co-founder of 3CD with Ready, and a pilot in Robhood’s air wing, the 401 Rams. 3CD’s first acceptance letter came from him, and he drew many of the original squad-night maps, kept them for years and later sent them back to the squad. Extract2th (2014) counted him among the old-timers who built 3CD “with really no game support or developer support.” He kept the old squad-night maps and years later sent them to Jea3. Extract2th (2014): what “you, ready, awbash, and all the rest of us old timer 3cd did with really no game support or developer support.”

  1. 2001–2002Flew with Robhood’s air wing, the 401 Rams, in the early days (Extract2th).
  2. Early yearsMade many of the original squad-night maps (Jea3).
  3. Early years3CD’s first acceptance letter came from Awbash (Jea3).
  4. LaterKept the old squad-night maps and later emailed them to Jea3 (Jea3, 2012).
  5. January 2014Extract2th named him with Jea3 and Ready among the old-timers who built 3CD “with really no game support or developer support”.
71 sorties23 kills1.21 K/DSgt Maj · French Air Forceas of Oct 2026
Squad record ↗
RobhoodCo-founder · RCAFHelped create 3CD and led its air wing, the 401 Rams, with Extract2th as his XO and the motto “Always on Target”.More

Helped create 3CD and led its air wing, the 401 Rams, with Extract2th as his XO and the motto “Always on Target”. With Robhood and his crew overhead, the RCAF owned the skies. Still on the 3CD roster today as a Recruiter.

  1. 2001–2002Flew with Cryn, Awbash, Elfunko, Bruskie and Roadie in the air group that became the 401 Rams (Extract2th, 2012).
  2. Early yearsHelped create 3CD (Jea3).
  3. Early 2002Jea3: Surly1 and Duffman “always were close by with Robhood and crew … we OWNED the skies when RCAF was overhead” (2012).
  4. 6 September 2002At Vise: “Robhood was already there in a tank blasting AI” (Malus’ Combat Log).
  5. From 2002Led the 401 Rams air squad, with Extract2th as XO (Extract2th, 2012).
  6. Oct 2005On the 3CD squad roster when it was re-registered (Oct 2005).
  7. 2013–2014Back in game with Jea3; in Campaign 100 (May 2014) they flew together and “worked with Harpo most of the time” (Jea3).
  8. 2026On the 3CD squad roster as a Recruiter.
  9. January 2026Last seen in WWII Online on 28 January 2026 (squad roster).
28,670 sorties18,376 kills1.09 K/DLt Col · French Army; Lt Col · British Armyas of Oct 2026
Squad record ↗
SNAILRecruiter · 3CD since 2002In 3CD from its first campaigns and one of the regulars who kept the squad’s voice channel alive.More

In 3CD from its first campaigns and one of the regulars who kept the squad’s voice channel alive. Also a CRS Rat, part of the Cornered Rat Software team behind WWII Online (per Jea3). MobyGames’ WWII Online credits list “Snail” among the former CRS staff (likely him).

  1. 3 September 2002Rode with Malus on the Hamteau assault: “I loaded up SNAIL, Loc and a few others and rolled back to Hamteau along western hills” (Malus’ Combat Log).
  2. Oct 2005On the 3CD squad roster, as Recruiter, when it was re-registered (Oct 2005).
  3. August 2012When Jea3 asked whether to keep 3CD, he offered: “If the sub is an obstacle, let me know, I’ll update my versions and take the squad.”
  4. August 2012Kept the squad together on voice: “There are at least a few of us who are on most every day on 3CD vent.”
  5. March 2013Jea3: “You’ll most likely find Robhood, Snail, Locz, and Pmike always on” the 3CD Vent server.
  6. June 2017Last seen in WWII Online on 21 June 2017 (squad roster).
PmikePilot · RecruiterOne of the 3CD pilots Jea3 liked to fly with, and a regular on the squad’s Vent server.More

One of the 3CD pilots Jea3 liked to fly with, and a regular on the squad’s Vent server. Still on the 3CD squad roster and still seen in game in 2026.

  1. Oct 2005On the 3CD squad roster, as Recruiter, when it was re-registered (Oct 2005).
  2. June 2011Jea3, on iRacing: “I think Robhood, Pmike and Locz all are in it.”
  3. March 2013Jea3: “Still love flying in the game, but only when Robhood, Pmike, Yokilla, or even Locz is on,” and “You’ll most likely find Robhood, Snail, Locz, and Pmike always on” the 3CD Vent server.
  4. January 2026Last seen in WWII Online on 5 January 2026 (squad roster).
Appears in
ReadyFounderFounder of 3CD, the “3CD Godfather”, and later XO.More

Founder of 3CD, the “3CD Godfather”, and later XO. He made the old 3CD logo, worked on the original website with Sun, made a recruiting movie and shot the Willemstad para-drop film; as Jea3 put it, he “did so much to make our squad”. Extract2th: “Ready and the ground brigades rolled Namur for the 3CD back in the golden years.” Tyrol: “I remember Ready’s death runs.”

  1. 2001–2002Founded 3CD from the Red Berets’ 24th Dragoons and 401 Rams (Extract2th).
  2. Early yearsMade the old 3CD logo and worked on the original squad website with Sun (Jea3, 2011).
  3. Golden years“Ready and the ground brigades rolled Namur for the 3CD” (Extract2th, 2012).
  4. LaterServed alongside Jea3 as XO or XXO (Jea3).
  5. c. 2002–2003During the Zipper Line operation he drove the Bedford off the cliffs of Huy by mistake, killing everyone in the “beddy”, back before spawn points; WillyTee immortalised that exact ride in his comic “Proud Ready” (Jea3).
  6. c. 2002–2003Another Bedford mishap made the comics too: WillyTee’s “When Flyboys become Ground Pounders, Part II” shows him upside down under a flipped Bedford, with TEAR and elfunko pointing out the barrel roll only works in airplanes.
  7. 16–17 June 2006Shot and edited the “Allied Para Drop on Willemstad” movie (BEF airborne assault).
  8. August 2012Seen back in game (Malus).
  9. September 2012Back in game: joined Jea3 and Malus at Sambreville, then Geel, where “Malus and Ready screened incoming EI” (Jea3, AAR 9/5/12).
  10. Late 2012One of the squad admins: “only Malus, Ready, Willytee, and I think myself are able to remove someone or promote someone” (Jea3, Nov 2012).
Appears in
25 more
7,868 sorties4,803 kills1.31 K/DLt · UK Air; Maj · UK Armyas of Oct 2026
SunDivisional Colonel · 4th AlabamaA Divisional Colonel in the 4th Alabama, 8th Brigade, and one of 3CD’s past command staff.More

A Divisional Colonel in the 4th Alabama, 8th Brigade, and one of 3CD’s past command staff. He worked on the original 3CD website with Ready; Jea3 later wrote that he could see “why it was so much work for our old website, for Sun and Ready.”

  1. 2002The subject of WillyTee’s cartoon “Here comes the Sun”.
  2. Early yearsWorked on the original 3CD website with Ready (Jea3).
  3. 2003Squad signature: “Sun · Divisional Colonel – 4th Alabama”.
  4. Oct 2005On the 3CD squad roster when it was re-registered (Oct 2005).
  5. May 2009Last seen in WWII Online on 8 May 2009 (squad roster).
Lynx4thBrigadier General · 4th AlabamaA Brigadier General in the 4th Alabama, one of 3CD’s American member squads, and a pilot alongside Raf (Jea3, 2012).More

A Brigadier General in the 4th Alabama, one of 3CD’s American member squads, and a pilot alongside Raf (Jea3, 2012). His squad signature from the original 3CD website (2003) carries the US flag.

  1. 2003Squad signature: “Lynx4th · Brigadier General – 4th Alabama” (original 3CD website, archived April 2003).
  2. Early yearsFlew with the 4th Alabama alongside Raf; Jea3 joined the squad with them (Memory Lane, 2012).
DognessPast Commanding OfficerPast Commanding Officer of 3CD, who led the squad in its prime, when 15–25 turned out every night and the nights ran late because Dogness came on late.More

Past Commanding Officer of 3CD, who led the squad in its prime, when 15–25 turned out every night and the nights ran late because Dogness came on late. One of the main people who convinced Jea3 to join, and the commander of the armour team in the Arras defence on Christmas Eve 2003. Still listed in 3CD in the game’s stats.

  1. c. 2002–2003 (approx.)Commanding Officer of 3CD (Jea3, 2012).
  2. 3CD’s primeSet the pace of the late squad nights: “we had 15–25 every night, running late most nights because Dogness came on late” and “I loved working with Dogness so late at night” (Jea3, Memory Lane, Aug 2012).
  3. 24 December 2003Commanded the armour team, one of the three defence teams run by Barely8, Dog and Puma (Malus’ Combat Log).
  4. Oct 2005On the 3CD squad roster, as Recruiter, when it was re-registered (Oct 2005).
  5. June 2006Got Malus into Red Orchestra: “Acquired ‘Red Orchestra’ upon advise of Dogness and Canuckeh” — “a good break from WWIIonline inbetween maps” (Malus’ Combat Log, 18 June 2006).
  6. December 2011Last seen in WWII Online on 9 December 2011 (squad roster).
  7. August 2012Back on the forum after a 2012 squad night: “Is the date on this thread accurate? Or, did the server accidentally cough up a thread from 8 years ago and put the wrong time stamp on it?”
7,829 sorties3,938 kills1.13 K/DMaj · French Armyas of Oct 2026
Squad record ↗
EdmondPast CO of 3CDA past CO of 3CD.More

A past CO of 3CD. In the Andenne operation on the Zipper Line he led a role alongside Staffsgt and Malus, and he turns up in the old screenshots: on the training-drill firing line, in the night advance on Maubeuge, and running down a hillside with Staff, Locz and Malus, “maybe Huy FB?” (2013).

  1. Early yearsPast CO of 3CD (Jea3).
  2. c. 2004Active on the 3CD websites around 2004.
  3. c. 2002–2003Led a role in the Andenne operation on the Zipper Line, with Staffsgt and Malus.
9,558 sorties4,849 kills0.89 K/DMaj · British Army; Maj · French Armyas of Oct 2026
RailrdFormer COIn memoriamPast Commanding Officer of 3CD, who led the squad as its CO; his CO banner named 3CD (2nd Armoured Brigade) the “Rock of the Meuse”.More

Past Commanding Officer of 3CD, who led the squad as its CO; his CO banner named 3CD (2nd Armoured Brigade) the “Rock of the Meuse”. Dearly missed, and remembered on our Fallen comrades page.

  1. Early yearsCommanding Officer of 3CD (Jea3).
  2. 2007 onwardCO of 3CD (2nd Armoured Brigade) — his CO banner read “Rock of the Meuse” (old 3cdgamers banner).
  3. November 2014Jea3 shared the sad news of his passing with the squad.
Railrd’s squad signature
21,748 sorties6,183 kills0.70 K/DMaj · British Armyas of Oct 2026
Squad record ↗
StaffsgtTanks · Airbase caps · Squad favouriteEverybody loved Staff (Jea3).More

Everybody loved Staff (Jea3). He ran the Verviers airbase capture team (“it went off like clockwork”), rode in the Vise tank column in September 2002, led a role in the Andenne operation on the Zipper Line, and came back in 2012 as “ssgt” for the squad nights.

  1. 3 September 2002Ran the Verviers airbase capture team: “it went off like clockwork” (Malus’ Combat Log).
  2. 6 September 2002In the Vise tank column with Colt25, Willytee and Malus (Malus’ Combat Log).
  3. 15 August 2011“Those times are still here guys so get on 4 wings TS and i"ll see you on the meuse.” (forum)
  4. May 2012“I was a young man when i started with this group...But i refuse to grow up” (forum)
  5. 4 August 2012“I’m taking a 3CD moment right now.” (forum)
  6. August 2012Back in game as “ssgt”, a regular on Friday and Saturday squad nights with Jea3, Malus, Ropo, Yortsed and Willytee.
  7. c. 2002–2003Led a role in the Andenne operation on the Zipper Line, with Edmond and Malus.
Staffsgt’s squad signature
39,346 sorties19,364 kills1.85 K/DLt Col · French Armyas of Oct 2026
Squad record ↗
Barely8352nd FG · AHCWith Jea3 in the 352nd Fighter Group; later rose very high in AHC.More

With Jea3 in the 352nd Fighter Group; later rose very high in AHC.

  1. Before 3CDIn the 352nd Fighter Group with Jea3.
  2. 24 December 2003Ran one of three defence teams (Malus’ Combat Log).
  3. LaterRose very high in Allied High Command (Jea3).
14,736 sorties4,507 kills1.94 K/DLt Col · French Armyas of Oct 2026
LazsnipePast Commanding OfficerPast Commanding Officer of 3CD, who led the squad as its CO.More

Past Commanding Officer of 3CD, who led the squad as its CO. Flew with Jea3 and Bruskie in the 352nd Fighter Group before 3CD, and was a Colonel in 3CD’s 8th Brigade by late 2002.

  1. Before 3CDIn the 352nd Fighter Group with Jea3 (Jea3, 2012).
  2. Early 2002Flying CAP with the 352nd Fighter Group alongside Surly1, Duffman and Bruskie (Jea3, Memory Lane).
  3. November 2002Squad signature, stamped 9 Nov 2002: “Colonel · Lazsnipe · 8th Brigade / 3rd Canadian Division”.
  4. 30 October 2004CO of the Sedan defence in the RED vs. BLUE special event (Malus’ Combat Log).
  5. Oct 2005On the 3CD squad roster when it was re-registered (Oct 2005).
  6. LaterCommanding Officer of 3CD; while leading the squad he carried Extract2th’s history into the Allied recruiting forum (Extract2th).
  7. May 2022Last seen in WWII Online on 18 May 2022 (squad roster).
6,940 sorties3,662 kills0.83 K/DMaj · British Army; Maj · French Armyas of Oct 2026
Squad record ↗
SniderNamed by Jea3 among the people who made 3CD.
BlitzvCommand staffPast 3CD command staff.More

Past 3CD command staff. Jea3: “I loved the arguments with Blitz” (2012). Also remembered as Blitz225.

  1. Early yearsPast 3CD command staff (Jea3).
  2. 17 September 2002With Malus, ambushed an Axis assault at Sambreville (3 panzers, 8 to 10 infantry) “to the SE of town at the bend in the river”; Malus asked Blitzv to open up on them at 400 meters (Malus’ Combat Log).
Portrait of Phew
Phew · August 2005
PhewIn memoriamPhew was a proud member of Pirates Battle Group and 3CD.More

Phew was a proud member of Pirates Battle Group and 3CD. Her PBG squadmate SD153 remembered her as “our fallen pirate and leader”. Remembered on our Fallen comrades page.

  1. EarlierPhew was a proud member of Pirates Battle Group and 3CD. Her PBG squadmate SD153 remembered her as “our fallen pirate and leader”.
  2. AlwaysRemembered on our Fallen comrades page.

Fair winds and following seas, Phew

16,160 sorties4,540 kills0.61 K/DMaj · French Armyas of Oct 2026
Jarhead9Former COPast Commanding Officer of 3CD.More

Past Commanding Officer of 3CD. He and Puma55 led the Pirates Battle Group together and brought the Pirates into 3CD. In 2012 Jea3 wrote that Jarhead9 “did nothing to bring us apart”. A good friend of Puma55, and on the firing line in the old training-drill screenshot.

  1. Before 3CDHe and Puma55 led the Pirates Battle Group together, and Phew was among its members. The Pirates proudly joined 3CD.
  2. At timesCommanding Officer of 3CD (Jea3).
  3. At timesCommanding Officer of 3CD (Jea3).
  4. August 2012Jea3 emailed him to stop in and to ask for Puma55’s contact (Jea3, 2012).
25,696 sorties14,897 kills0.86 K/DMaj · French Army; Maj · British Armyas of Oct 2026
Puma55Defence team leaderOne of the old guard.More

One of the old guard. He and Jarhead9 led the Pirates Battle Group, and the Pirates proudly joined 3CD. On 24 December 2003 he ran one of the three defence teams with Barely8 and Dog (Malus’ Combat Log). A friend of Cammel and Jarhead9, and missed by the old guard in 2012.

  1. Before 3CDHe and Jarhead9 led the Pirates Battle Group together, and Phew was among its members. The Pirates proudly joined 3CD.
  2. 2003–2004Active with 3CD; on the 3CD websites in 2004.
  3. 24 December 2003“Kudos to Barely8, Dog, and Puma for running the three defense teams” (Malus’ Combat Log).
  4. 16 August 2012Cammel: “Has my buddy Puma55 been around?” Locz: “Puma55 i havent seen in a while also.”
  5. 17 August 2012Jea3 emailed Jarhead9 to see if he had Puma’s contact.
  6. January 2014Still in game, per Jea3: “Aomercy, Cometus, and Puma are all still in game as well.”
Appears in
Duke2Jea3: “We loved Duke2 coming to the battle when it was almost over, with that Char.More

Jea3: “We loved Duke2 coming to the battle when it was almost over, with that Char. He seemed to either come in just late, or just when we needed him the most.” (Memory Lane, 3 August 2012).

RafCO, 4th AlabamaCO of the 4th Alabama, an 8th Brigade member squad, and a pilot; Jea3 joined the 4th Alabama with Raf and Lynx4th.More

CO of the 4th Alabama, an 8th Brigade member squad, and a pilot; Jea3 joined the 4th Alabama with Raf and Lynx4th. In October 2002 Raf gave the orders for the push on Ciney from Spontin (Malus’ Combat Log), and he rides in the jeep in WillyTee’s “Here comes the Sun” cartoon.

  1. 2002Rides in the jeep in WillyTee’s “Here comes the Sun” cartoon.
  2. October 2002Gave the orders for the push on Ciney from Spontin (Malus’ Combat Log).
TenzeroSquad mate · Good friendA good friend of Jea3’s and a 3CD squad mate; you can see him on squad chat in these screenshots.More
WarchantOps leaderOne of the people who helped shape 3CD (Jea3).More

One of the people who helped shape 3CD (Jea3).

  1. 28 September 2002Malus “tagged along with Warchant” on a mission to St. Truiden (Malus’ Combat Log).
  2. 7 October 2002Running the evening’s operations with Aw1ace when Malus logged in: attacks on Havelange, Andenne and Ciney (Malus’ Combat Log).
  3. Squad nightsOn the 3CD squad chat in the training drill and the tank column screenshots (Jea3).
Extract2thXO, 2004Former XO of the 401 Rams, CO/XO of the RCAF, and 3CD XO in 2004.More

Former XO of the 401 Rams, CO/XO of the RCAF, and 3CD XO in 2004. His “History of 3CD in WWIIOL (to 2004)” is the backbone of our History page; in 2012 he shared the 2004 enlistment letter, and in 2014 he helped pay to keep the website going.

  1. Late 2001 – early 2002Joined the Red Berets’ air wing; later XO of the 401 Rams and CO/XO of the RCAF.
  2. 20043CD XO under Jea3; wrote the “History of 3CD in WWIIOL (to 2004)”.
  3. August 2012Shared the 2004 enlistment letter on the forum.
  4. May 2014Helped pay to keep the website going (Jea3).
5,631 sorties3,284 kills1.09 K/DLt · British Armyas of Oct 2026
Squad record ↗
MalusXO · Brigade CO · TrainerA cornerstone of 3CD: a great sniper who trained the squad to snipe and to sap tanks, and usually led the early training nights.More

A cornerstone of 3CD: a great sniper who trained the squad to snipe and to sap tanks, and usually led the early training nights. CO of the 24th Dragoons in 2002 and of the 7th Brigade (Camerons) from September 2002, later 3CD XO (2012). He ran Host Squad recruiting and AHC training, and his “Malus’ Combat Log” kept 3CD’s battles for all of us.

  1. Early daysVery big in 3CD’s training: a great sniper who trained the squad to snipe and to sap tanks (Jea3).
  2. 29 August 2002Voted CO of the 24th Dragoons.
  3. 9 September 2002Appointed CO, 7th Brigade (Camerons).
  4. Early 2004Appointed AXO of 3CD.
  5. April 2004XO of the 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade, then 3IC of the Royal Marine Division.
  6. 20123CD XO.
  7. c. 2002–2003Led a role in the Andenne operation on the Zipper Line, with Staffsgt and Edmond.
Appears in
52 more
6,434 sorties1,901 kills0.56 K/DCapt · British Armyas of Oct 2026
Squad record ↗
WillyTeeXXO · Cartoonist3CD’s cartoonist; the old site was the “Home of Willytee’s Comics”.More

3CD’s cartoonist; the old site was the “Home of Willytee’s Comics”. He drew the Water Rat for squad sigs, made “The AB Radio” video and the book “Humor on the Virtual Battlefield of World War II: The Best of 3CD” (2003). In the 2002 Vise tank group, made XXO in August 2012, and featured at the 2021 WWII Online Virtual Convention (“WillyTee and other game highlights”).

  1. 6 September 2002In the Vise tank group (Malus’ Combat Log).
  2. 2003Drew “Proud Ready”, immortalising Ready’s Bedford ride off the Huy cliffs during the Zipper Line operation (Jea3).
  3. 27 August 2004His comic movie and comics mentioned in the official Community Report.
  4. 2011Posted new WillyTee comics on the squad forum.
  5. August 2012Made XXO.
Appears in
64 more
WillyTee’s squad signature
8,395 sorties5,771 kills1.21 K/DMaj · French Armyas of Oct 2026
Squad record ↗
Aw1aceDivisional Major General · ops organiserA Divisional Major General of 3CD, as his 2003 squad signature reads (French Army 2nd Lt in the game’s stats).More

A Divisional Major General of 3CD, as his 2003 squad signature reads (French Army 2nd Lt in the game’s stats). Organised the attacks on Profondeville in late September 2002, and was in the Camerons’ armour at the bridge south of Namur.

  1. 25 September 2002Organised the attack on Profondeville: “aw1ace was organizing an attack on Profondeville” (Malus’ Combat Log, 26 Sept 2002).
  2. 28 September 2002In Malus’ tanks on the Profondeville push: “aw1ace called a contact and asked if he should engage - at which point I said take the panzer out” (Malus’ Combat Log).
  3. 7 October 2002Running ops with Warchant (Malus’ Combat Log).
  4. Early yearsTook command of defending Eghezee and Namur while the 8th and 9th Brigades drove around Andenne (Jea3).
  5. 2003Squad signature: “aw1ace · Divisional Major General” (original 3CD website, archived April 2003).
  6. Oct 2005On the 3CD squad roster, as Recruiter, when it was re-registered (Oct 2005).
  7. July 2006Last seen in WWII Online on 1 July 2006 (squad roster), the month of his film “My life is so boring”.
2,025 sorties745 kills1.12 K/D2nd Lt · French Armyas of Oct 2026
Squad record ↗
Locz2k2First forum member · other-games lead (2012)Also known as Loc and locz; in game as Locz2k3, Locz344, Loczdown72 and Locz2k2, and sgt.locz on Steam.More

Also known as Loc and locz; in game as Locz2k3, Locz344, Loczdown72 and Locz2k2, and sgt.locz on Steam. In 3CD from the 2002 campaigns, the first member of the old 3CD forum after Jea3, and in 2012 the squad’s guide to other games: he started the Steam and Twitter calls and a thread for nearly every new game the Rats were trying.

  1. 3 September 2002Rode with Malus and SNAIL on the Hamteau assault: “I loaded up SNAIL, Loc and a few others and rolled back to Hamteau along western hills” (Malus’ Combat Log).
  2. Oct 2005On the 3CD squad roster as Locz2k3 when it was re-registered (Oct 2005).
  3. 2006The target of Aw1ace’s teasing film “My life is so boring” (July 2006).
  4. 2009Back on the 3CD roster as Locz344 (22 Jan – 6 Mar 2009, squad roster).
  5. 7 February 2010First member of the old 3CD forum after Jea3 (member no. 2).
  6. June 2011Jea3: “Now Locz got me hooked on this iRacing.”
  7. August 2012Started “HERE IS WHY WE SHOULD KEEP THE SITE UP!!!!”: “It would be great to see some of the old crew around in vent or ts. Please reply with games you play so we can group up.” Posted the 3CD Steam group (sgt.locz) and “follow us on Twitter @TheWaterRats3CD”, plus threads on Guild Wars 2, PlanetSide 2, League of Legends, Kerbal Space Program, WoW: Mists of Pandaria, SMITE and more.
  8. August 2012Back on the 3CD roster as Loczdown72 (24 Aug 2012 – 6 Jan 2013, squad roster); asked after Puma55 when Cammel visited.
  9. September 2012Jea3: “Smedley, Ready, Malus, Locz and Staff are all back in game.”
  10. 2017On the roster as Locz2k2, Recruiter (30 Aug – 4 Sep 2017, squad roster).
3,892 sorties1,422 kills0.72 K/DLt · French Armyas of Oct 2026
Squad record ↗
Ropo2003 · 2007 · the 2012 rebuildIn 3CD in 2003 and 2007 and a mainstay of the 2012 rebuild: at the Metz bunker, calling targets in the “All it takes…” fight, working squad chat for the Host Squad recruits, and flying with 4 Wing.More

In 3CD in 2003 and 2007 and a mainstay of the 2012 rebuild: at the Metz bunker, calling targets in the “All it takes…” fight, working squad chat for the Host Squad recruits, and flying with 4 Wing.

  1. 2003 · 2007“My time with 3CD been fragmented, 2003 for 7mo’s, 2007 for perhaps 3mo’s, back again” — remembering “trying to tow 5 ATG’s… having to turn around every 1000 ft to pickup one who lost his tow” (Memory Lane, Aug 2012).
  2. 4–5 August 2012LMG in the front room of the Metz airfield bunker, the last bunker standing (Jea3).
  3. 22 August 2012With Malus and Jea3 held off an Axis assault: “Ropo would call targets… 3 3CD basically strangled the EI assault on that town” (Malus).
  4. September 2012Worked the squad chat channel for the Host Squad rotation and reported the squad had passed 1,000 members (Malus).
  5. October 2012Flying with 4 Wing: “I’m mostly seeing Ropo on flying with 4Wing” (Malus).
  6. 2012On Steam as sirropo; joined the new 3CD forum on 5 August 2012.
  7. August 2023Last seen in WWII Online on 30 August 2023 (squad roster).
5,440 sorties2,031 kills0.95 K/DMaj · French Army; Maj · British Armyas of Oct 2026
Squad record ↗
YortsedBrigadier General · 7th BrigadeA Brigadier General in 3CD’s 7th Brigade, playing since early 2002, and one of the most prolific 3CD soldiers in the game’s records (over 28,000 sorties).More

A Brigadier General in 3CD’s 7th Brigade, playing since early 2002, and one of the most prolific 3CD soldiers in the game’s records (over 28,000 sorties). He named Windhund as 3CD’s old Axis rivals around Namur, Andenne and Ramet, and was back at the Metz bunker in 2012.

  1. Early 2002“after playing from early in 02… NEVER played one game for 10yrs before” (Aug 2012).
  2. January 2003Squad signature, stamped 20 Jan 2003: “Brigadier Gen. · Yortsed · 7th Brigade / 3rd Canadian Division”.
  3. Golden yearsOn the Axis squad Windhund: “they were our opposition in namur, andenne, ramet years ago, and were a solid group with similar play style and standard as 3cd” (Aug 2012).
  4. April 2012Sniping in an FB defence with Jea3 and Willytee, then taking Fairmiles down the coast of England with Jea3 (Jea3).
  5. 4–5 August 2012Rifleman covering Malus outside the Metz airfield bunker (Jea3).
  6. November 2024Last seen in WWII Online on 3 November 2024 (squad roster).
28,594 sorties19,993 kills1.40 K/DLt Col · British Army; Lt Col · French Armyas of Oct 2026
Squad record ↗
Johnny9sCanada Corps from day twoIn Canada Corps from the second day of the game’s release, playing every day for the first four or five years; back on the 3CD roster in 2006–08.More

In Canada Corps from the second day of the game’s release, playing every day for the first four or five years; back on the 3CD roster in 2006–08.

  1. 2001“Joined Canada Corps the 2nd day of release of the game.” As he recalls it, Canada Corps became the Red Berets, then the Water Rats, and finally 3CD (his recollection).
  2. Early years“I miss the days of logging in and seeing 50 of us online and organizing huge missions with over 100 people all actually following orders… We usually ran into the 64 person visual limit but we made do.”
  3. August 2012Re-registered for a free trial to play with 3CD again.
  4. 2006–2008On the 3CD squad roster from 19 June 2006 (squad roster).
  5. December 2008Last seen on the 3CD roster on 22 December 2008 (squad roster).
FnmagField leaderA natural field leader who stepped up to brigade, division and even BEF command when needed, with over 16,000 kills in the game’s records, and still seen in game in 2026.More

A natural field leader who stepped up to brigade, division and even BEF command when needed, with over 16,000 kills in the game’s records, and still seen in game in 2026.

  1. September 2006Malus: “Fnmag has been doing an excellent job of this when he is online. He also takes on the brigade, division or even BEF command from time to time when the assigned staff are nowhere to be found.”
  2. July 2011Back in game, seen with 4 Wing (Harpo).
  3. August 2016“whats up old farts! S! Anybody still ingame? I made a donation for the extras they needed… Looking to get a new computer and get back ingame!”
  4. September 2026Last seen in WWII Online on 17 September 2026 (squad roster).
16,052 sorties16,159 kills1.78 K/DLt Col · British Army; Lt Col · French Armyas of Oct 2026
Squad record ↗
SmedleyDivisional Brigadier General · 4th AlabamaOne of the big names of 3CD’s early years: a Divisional Brigadier General in the 4th Alabama, 8th Brigade, and one of 3CD’s past command staff.More

One of the big names of 3CD’s early years: a Divisional Brigadier General in the 4th Alabama, 8th Brigade, and one of 3CD’s past command staff. One of the first members of the old 3CD forum in 2010, and back in game with the old hands in 2012.

  1. Early yearsNamed by Jea3 among 3CD’s past command staff (Jea3).
  2. 2003Squad signature: “Smedley · Divisional Brig. General · 4th Alabama”, with the 4th Alabama patch (original 3CD website, archived August 2003).
  3. 2004Still a member of the 3CD website in September 2004 (old site member list, archived).
  4. February 2010One of the first members of the old 3CD forum (registered 17 Feb 2010).
  5. August 2012Back on the 3CD squad roster from 25 August 2012; Jea3: “Smedley is back as well, and Willytee of course.”
  6. September 2012Jea3: “Smedley, Ready, Malus, Locz and Staff are all back in game.”
  7. June 2016Last seen in WWII Online on 3 June 2016 (squad roster).
3,523 sorties1,757 kills1.22 K/DCapt · French Army; Capt · British Armyas of Oct 2026
Squad record ↗
ColdbootLMG gunner · Sedan, 2004The LMG gunner in Malus’ section at the Sedan defence in 2004, who with Timekill cut down an Axis truck load and then plugged the gap between Alpha and Bravo.More

The LMG gunner in Malus’ section at the Sedan defence in 2004, who with Timekill cut down an Axis truck load and then plugged the gap between Alpha and Bravo.

  1. 30 October 2004Sedan defence (RED vs. BLUE event): “Coldboot and Timekill were in the best position, and layed into them - mowing down most of them”; Malus later moved him to cover the gap between the squads and the bridge (Malus’ Combat Log).
  2. Oct 2005On the 3CD squad roster, as Recruiter, when it was re-registered (Oct 2005).
  3. August 2006Last seen on the 3CD roster on 25 August 2006 (squad roster).
4,910 sorties1,826 kills0.94 K/DLt · British Army; Lt · French Armyas of Oct 2026
Squad record ↗
TimekillRifleman · Sedan, 2004A rifleman in Malus’ section at the Sedan defence in 2004; with Coldboot he broke up the Opel truck attack that Malus credited with breaking the Axis assault.More

A rifleman in Malus’ section at the Sedan defence in 2004; with Coldboot he broke up the Opel truck attack that Malus credited with breaking the Axis assault.

  1. 30 October 2004Sedan defence: with Coldboot “mowing down most” of an Opel load; Malus: “between Timekill and Coldboot killing that opel load… we broke the back of the attacking force against Sedan” (Malus’ Combat Log).
  2. Oct 2005On the 3CD squad roster, as Recruiter, when it was re-registered (Oct 2005).
  3. February 2009Last seen on the 3CD roster on 7 February 2009 (squad roster).
6,704 sorties3,856 kills0.89 K/DCapt · British Army; Lt · French Armyas of Oct 2026
Squad record ↗
NoxesSapper · Sedan, 2004The sapper at the north-east treeline at the Sedan defence in 2004, who knocked out a panzer that was sitting on top of his position.More

The sapper at the north-east treeline at the Sedan defence in 2004, who knocked out a panzer that was sitting on top of his position.

  1. 30 October 2004Sedan defence: reported “Two PZs and an Opel ontop of his position”, then “managed to kill the panzer”; Malus credited “Noxes anti-tank actions” (Malus’ Combat Log).
  2. Oct 2005On the 3CD squad roster, as Recruiter, when it was re-registered (Oct 2005).
  3. June 2009Last seen on the 3CD roster on 6 June 2009 (squad roster).
4,499 sorties1,520 kills0.69 K/DLt · British Armyas of Oct 2026
Squad record ↗
ArdianSapper · Sedan, 2004A sapper sent to hold the east T-intersection at the Sedan defence in 2004, who found a panzer on the Axis left flank.More

A sapper sent to hold the east T-intersection at the Sedan defence in 2004, who found a panzer on the Axis left flank.

  1. 30 October 2004Sedan defence: sent “(sapper) to the East T intersection”, then north to the enemy’s left flank, where he “found a PZ there” (Malus’ Combat Log).
  2. Oct 2005On the 3CD squad roster, as Recruiter, when it was re-registered (Oct 2005).
  3. October 2007Last seen on the 3CD roster on 3 October 2007 (squad roster).
2,769 sorties1,035 kills0.75 K/DLt · British Army; 2nd Lt · RAFas of Oct 2026
Squad record ↗
CrynPilot · 401 Rams CAPOne of the 401 Rams fighter pilots who flew CAP over Namur in the golden years; his RAF record shows a kill-to-death ratio above 7.More

One of the 401 Rams fighter pilots who flew CAP over Namur in the golden years; his RAF record shows a kill-to-death ratio above 7.

  1. 2002One of the group flying from the same airfield that invited Extract2th along: “Robhood, Cryn, AWbash, Elfunko, Bruskie, and Roadie” (Extract2th, Memory Lane).
  2. Golden years“I miss the days when I could just spawn a Hurri at Brussels and fly (no mission needed) CAP over Namur strafe opels, kill ju’s or 110’s… I really miss the pilots chat on TS” (Sept 2012).
  3. September 2012Last seen on the 3CD roster on 12 September 2012 (squad roster).
1,933 sorties1,197 kills3.18 K/DLt · RAFas of Oct 2026
Squad record ↗
RoadiePilot · 401 Rams CAPOne of the 401 Rams fighter pilots of the golden years, and still flying in WWII Online in 2026.More

One of the 401 Rams fighter pilots of the golden years, and still flying in WWII Online in 2026.

  1. 2002Part of the CAP group that invited Extract2th along: “Robhood, Cryn, AWbash, Elfunko, Bruskie, and Roadie” (Extract2th).
  2. Golden years“Long hours of flying with Robhood, Cryn, Elfunko, Roadie, Canuckeh, Bruskie, and AWbash while Ready and the ground brigades rolled Namur” (Extract2th, Aug 2012).
  3. June 2026Last seen on the 3CD roster on 28 June 2026 (squad roster).
5,080 sorties1,492 kills2.40 K/DLt · RAF; 2nd Lt · British Armyas of Oct 2026
Squad record ↗
Canuckeh401 Rams CAP · Red Orchestra recruiterFlew CAP with the 401 Rams in the golden years, and later got Malus into Red Orchestra with Dogness.More

Flew CAP with the 401 Rams in the golden years, and later got Malus into Red Orchestra with Dogness.

  1. Golden years“Long hours of flying with Robhood, Cryn, Elfunko, Roadie, Canuckeh, Bruskie, and AWbash” (Extract2th, Aug 2012).
  2. November 2005Joined the 3CD squad roster on 26 November 2005 (squad roster).
  3. June 2006“Acquired ‘Red Orchestra’ upon advise of Dogness and Canuckeh” (Malus’ Combat Log).
  4. February 2012Last seen on the 3CD roster on 13 February 2012 (squad roster).
4,134 sorties1,272 kills0.54 K/DLt · British Army; 2nd Lt · French Armyas of Oct 2026
Squad record ↗
ChettInfantry · truck runsA 3CD infantryman of the early years, in Jea3’s night advance on Maubeuge, who came back to the game in 2011 and 2012.More

A 3CD infantryman of the early years, in Jea3’s night advance on Maubeuge, who came back to the game in 2011 and 2012.

  1. Early yearsIn the night advance on Maubeuge with Staffsgt, Edmond, Aw1ace, Robhood and others (Jea3’s screenshot).
  2. Early years“I also remember driving onto those bridges to fast with a full truck load of inf only to be thrown from the truck all over the place. Those were the days….” (Nov 2012).
  3. July 2011Back in game, seen with 4 Wing (Harpo).
  4. November 2012“S! 3CD I just got back into the game from a long time off… great to see you all again” (Nov 2012).
  5. December 2012Last seen on the 3CD roster on 31 December 2012 (squad roster).
7,573 sorties2,576 kills0.54 K/DCapt · British Army; Capt · French Armyas of Oct 2026
Squad record ↗
DoppeljrFB buster · 2003Ran the forward-base busting runs in Malus’ Christmas Eve 2003 operation, earning a special commendation.More

Ran the forward-base busting runs in Malus’ Christmas Eve 2003 operation, earning a special commendation.

  1. 24 December 2003“Special commendation for DoppleJr - who ran the FB busting runs and got the job done” (Malus’ Combat Log).
  2. Oct 2005On the 3CD squad roster when it was re-registered (Oct 2005).
  3. June 2008Last seen on the 3CD roster on 9 June 2008 (squad roster).
  4. August 2012Jea3: “DoppelJr emailed me as well, telling me he had some old pics and movies for me.”
Appears in
1,119 sorties404 kills0.93 K/DLt · French Army; 2nd Lt · British Armyas of Oct 2026
Squad record ↗
KeyesColonel · 7th BrigadeA 3CD member in the early years, always around and always helping, as Jea3 remembers him.More

A 3CD member in the early years, always around and always helping, as Jea3 remembers him. His 2003 squad signature reads “Colonel keyes · 7th Brigade / 3rd Canadian Division”, and he is on the 3CD squad channel with Ubique and Sun in one of our old screenshots. He knew Phew for four years, and signed her guestbook in 2005.

  1. Early yearsA 3CD member (Jea3).
  2. 2003Squad signature: “Colonel keyes · 7th Brigade / 3rd Canadian Division”, dated 12 December 2003 (old 3CD signature generator, via the Wayback Machine).
  3. Early yearsOn the 3CD squad channel with Ubique and Sun while Jea3 downed a 109 (in-game screenshot).
  4. 10 August 2005Signed Phew’s guestbook: “I knew her for four years in WWIIOL, from the 3rd Canadian Division, to the 75th Ranger Regiment, to the Pirates Battle Group.”

More names to come — the CO can add them from the Command desk.

Hall of honour · 3rd Canadian Division

Past Command Staff

The officers who led 3CD before today’s command, in the order the CO keeps them. Today’s officers are on Current Command Staff.

  1. Past commandPast command staff

    Ready

    Founder — the “3CD Godfather”

    2001–2004

    Appears in
    30 more
  2. Past commandPast command staff

    Awbash

    Co-founder · RCAF / 401 Rams pilot

    2001–

  3. Past commandPast Commanding Officer

    Dogness

    Commanding Officer

    early 2000s

  4. Past commandPast Commanding Officer

    Lazsnipe

    Commanding Officer

    Years not recorded

  5. Past commandPast command staff

    Extract2th

    Executive Officer (XO) of 3CD

    2004

  6. Past commandPast command staff

    Robhood

    CO, 401 Rams · RCAF

    2001–

  7. Past commandPast Commanding Officer

    Railrd

    Commanding Officer

    Years not recorded

    In memoriamEver remembered by 3CD

  8. Past commandPast Commanding Officer

    Jarhead9

    Commanding Officer

    Years not recorded

  9. Past commandPast command staff

    Aw1ace

    Divisional Major General

    early 2000s

  10. Past commandPast command staff

    Staffsgt

    Command staff

    Years not recorded

  11. Past commandPast Commanding Officer

    Edmond

    Commanding Officer

    Years not recorded

  12. Past commandPast command staff

    Sun

    Divisional Colonel, 4th Alabama

    Years not recorded

  13. Past commandPast command staff

    Blitzv

    Command staff

    Years not recorded

  14. Past commandPast command staff

    Barely8

    Command staff

    Years not recorded

  15. Past commandPast command staff

    Smedley

    Divisional Brigadier General · 4th Alabama

    Years not recorded

  16. Past commandPast command staff

    Sider

    9th Brigade (later 1SC) · possibly CO

    Years not recorded

    Appears in
  17. Past commandPast command staff

    Locz

    Forum moderator (website)

    2010–2016

Names recalled by Jea3, with roles and years from Extract2th’s history and the old squad forum. Corrections are welcome — tell the CO.

More memories

Early squad years

In a 2012 player account, RobbHood recalled playing from the game’s beginning, first in Canada Corps and then in 3CD. His signature identified him as a retired brigadier general who commanded the RCAF.

Read RobbHood’s player account ↗

Willytee’s cartoons

Willytee’s published book, Humor on the Virtual Battlefield of World War II — The Best of 3CD, preserves the connection between his cartoons, the squad and the game community.

See the publisher’s record ↗

The memories we recovered

Our saved forum includes conversations from 2010 through 2016. Selected WWIIOL discussions, media, Willytee’s corner and memorial threads are readable again.

Explore the restored squad room →
Allied High Command

AHC Honours

Jea3’s 3CD signature: 3rd Canadian Division, 2002 – Present Commanding Officer, with an AHC ribbon rack and two AHC official squad Unit Citations
Jea3’s squad signature, “2002 – Present · Commanding Officer” (in the gallery, original size).
Jea3’s AHC ribbon rack, enlarged: 25 ribbons in five rows
The ribbon rack, enlarged. In AHC every ribbon meant something.
Two AHC official squad Unit Citation ribbons
AHC official squad Unit Citations · two awarded to 3CD

Allied High Command awarded 3CD two official squad Unit Citations, worn on Jea3’s signature beneath his rack. One ribbon in the top row carries the name of Badger, Commander-in-Chief of the whole Allied side in AHC as Jea3 remembers him, and Shilling’s Allied counterpart. From ARFR theatre command he had asked 3CD to help AHC hold the Meuse in early 2002, and he later warned Jea3 when Shilling set out to go after the squad. Badger later joined the CRS staff: Assistant Community Manager in 2016 and Community Manager from September 2023.

What the ribbons say

Words and numerals that can be read on the rack itself: “AHC III” and “Badger” (top row); “IX” (second row); “XV”, “XXI”, “XXIV” and “XXX” (third row); a Union flag (fourth row); “Longbow” (bottom row).

Ribbon meanings being researched. No AHC ribbon legend from 2002–2004 has been found yet, so no ribbon is labelled here. The first Unit Citation (blue ends, maroon centre, two stars) matches the pattern of today’s AHC Meritorious Unit Commendation in the Official Allied Awards List ↗ (2024), but that list is two decades later and is not proof of the 2003 meaning.

Unit citations and Badger as AHC CinC: the CO. Badger’s 2002 approach: Extract2th’s history (above).

Beyond the story

Squad nights started with a plan.

These maps were how we planned our squad nights. It took a real effort: working out routes, assigning units, organising reconnaissance and air cover, and bringing everyone together for the operation.

The surviving orders show that work on the page. On the Gembloux map, recon goes in first, bombers receive their targets, and ground units approach from different directions. The Huy plan marks separate routes and objectives across the town.

In those early squad nights, we did not have mobile spawns or the forward spawning options players have today. If you were killed, you had to respawn back at base and catch a ride on a vehicle to return to the operation. Sometimes just getting everyone into position took thirty minutes to an hour.

That made the planning matter. The journey to the fight was part of the night, and bringing the squad together took time as well as coordination.

Behind the arrows and marked objectives were squadmates giving their time to make the night work. These are part of 3CD’s history—not just old screenshots.

Squad-night planning recalled by Jea3; the marked assignments survive in the original maps.

Explore the maps & attack plans →
Recovered 3CD orders map, 10 July 2002
One of the recovered orders maps. See them all →
Beyond the story

The real division behind the name

Our gaming squad honours the name of the wartime 3rd Canadian Infantry Division. This military history describes the real formation.

June 6, 1944 · Juno Beach

The 3rd Canadian Infantry Division took part in the initial D-Day landings, then fought through the Normandy campaign.

Canadian Army division history ↗

WWII Online Wiki ↗ · Official WWII Online website ↗