The first 196 Squadron was originally formed as a training unit at Heliopolis, in Egypt[10] on 9 August 1917 and disbanded a mere 3 months later on 13 November 1917, becoming a part of the Aerial Fighting School.

The squadron carried out many raids on enemy ports and industrial centres in Europe in 1943; it also flew numerous 'gardening' (minelaying) sorties.

[2] They then carried out various transport, glider-towing and supply-dropping flights and also undertook SOE and SAS parachuting missions over occupied territories.

Their mission was to deliver paratroops of the 5th Parachute Brigade and 6th Airborne Division as part of Operation Tonga (each Stirling could carry 20 troops and their equipment).

They then had to return to Normandy, towing gliders laden with the main force and their equipment as part of Operation Mallard.

On 8 June, seven Stirlings carried out a re-supply mission to Normandy as part of Operation Rob Roy.

In total 25 men were killed and 13 aircraft were lost due to anti-aircraft fire and enemy planes during the operation.