The squadron saw service in both the First and Second World Wars, as a maritime patrol unit, and finally as part of Britain's strategic nuclear deterrent.

The squadron predated the foundation of the RAF and was founded as a unit of the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) .

It was designated a general reconnaissance (GR) squadron, on maritime patrol duties, flying Avro Anson multi-role aircraft.

In November 1939, it converted to Lockheed Hudson an American light bomber and maritime patrol aircraft and began a new role, flying strike − or anti-shipping − missions.

In April 1941, still in the anti-shipping role, it moved to RAF Wick in Scotland, to fly strikes against Norwegian coastal traffic.

In February 1942 the squadron began to operate the Boeing Fortress, an American four-engined heavy bomber, having moved to RAF Nutts Corner in Northern Ireland that month, as part of No.

It was transferred to Transport Command and Flew trooping flights, bringing men home from India, from October 1945 to April 1946.

In September 1951 the squadron was reformed, back as part of Coastal Command and again operating in the maritime reconnaissance (MR) role.

It was based at RAF St Mawgan in Cornwall and was equipped with Avro Shackleton, a long range maritime patrol aircraft.

At the time, the Avro Shackleton was fitted with a mid-upper gun-turret, the Bristol turret mounting twin 20 mm Hispano cannon, though this was later removed.