[3][4] The squadron re-embarked its six Hawker Sea Hurricane aboard Victorious on 31 July 1942 before the carrier set out to take part in the Malta Convoy,Operation Pedestal.

[3] The squadron reformed again at RNAS Lee-on-Solent (HMS Daedalus), Hampshire, on 15 February 1944, again equipped with Supermarine Seafire.

In November 1944, the squadron re-equipped with Grumman Hellcat, an American carrier-based fighter aircraft, in preparation for a transfer to the British Pacific Fleet.

[11] Ruler was tasked with providing fighter and anti submarine protection for the Fleet Train replenishment ships supporting the fleet, with 885 Naval Air Squadron supplementing its eighteen Grumman Hellcats with four Grumman Avenger torpedo bombers for anti-submarine duties.

[13] After the end of Okinawa operations, the squadron disembarked at RNAS Ponum (HMS Nabaron), Ponam Island off New Guinea, providing continuation flying for replacement pilots for the fleet, and temporarily adding some Vought Corsair, an American fighter aircraft, while ashore to improve the training it could offer.