What Happened on July 3, 1972

• The Ulster Defence Association and the British Army come into conflict about a 'no-go' area at Ainsworth Avenue, Belfast
• Themba Sono is forced to resign as president of South African Student Organisation (SASO)

• "Mississippi" Fred McDowell, American blues singer and guitarist, dies of cancer at 68
• Hal Walker, American film director (I Married Joan), dies at 76

Holidays: Dominion Day (Canada)

• #1 Song: Lean On Me - Bill Withers
• #1 Song: Puppy Love - Donny Osmond