119 Squadron was originally formed on 1 January 1918 at RAF Andover to become a day bomber unit.

[2] The squadron was reformed from 'G' flight at RAF Bowmore, Strathclyde on 13 March 1941, as part of No.

The squadron deployed to RAF Pembroke Dock on 4 August, becoming non-operational there for lack of serviceable aircraft[1] until they moved to RAF Lough Erne on 19 April 1942, where they re-equipped with the Catalina Mk.IIIa the next month.

In August they returned to Pembroke Dock, changing to Sunderland Mks.II and IIIs in September.

In January 1945 they re-equipped with the ASV-equipped Swordfish Mk.III which aided in the hunt on midget-submarines, destroying three before their final mission was flown on 8 May 1945.