The squadron formed at RAF Harrowbeer, Devon on 21 October 1941 equipped with the Lysander and Walrus, with the responsibility of Air Sea Rescue over the Western part of the English Channel and the Bristol Channel.

[1] Hurricanes, Defiants, Spitfires and Ansons were then supplied, the fighter aircraft being used for spotting downed aircrew at sea and for dropping dinghies to the downed airmen.

[2][3] For a time it was commanded by Squadron Leader Ronald Hamlyn.

[4] Warwicks which could drop lifeboats were operated from April 1944 until they were transferred to No.

A detachment and then the whole squadron relocated to Querqueville, France, and then Belgium following the Normandy landings.