The squadron was initially equipped with nine Fairey Swordfish Is, and then embarked on the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal at the navy's base at Scapa Flow.

They were also involved in providing air cover for the Malta Convoys, and in February 1941 carried out attacks on targets at Livorno, Genoa, Pisa and La Spezia.

Eventually a Swordfish of 818 Squadron, probably the one piloted by Sub-Lt. John Moffat, struck Bismarck's aft with a torpedo, jamming her rudder in a turn to starboard.

[4] The squadron later had their Swordfish replaced by nine Fairey Albacore Is, and they were embarked aboard HMS Formidable in February 1942.

They were again reformed, this time at RNAS Rattray in May 1945, and equipped with 18 Fairey Barracuda IIs, to operate as a torpedo bomber reconnaissance squadron.