[1] The squadron was formed on 5 September 1940[2] at the RAF Polish Depot in Squires Gate, Blackpool, from pilots of the Fighter Squadron of the 2nd Aviation Regiment in Krakow (in September 1939 the regiment was part of the Krakow Army).

The first CO, Squadron Leader John Davies, was killed after striking a balloon cable just a few weeks after taking command.

On 24 November 1940, the squadron's first air victory was recorded when Pilot Mieczysław Parafiński shot down a Junkers Ju 88 bomber during a training flight.

By October 1941 the squadron was based at Baginton Aerodrome where "Tommy" Yeo-Thomas was intelligence officer.

Squadron pilots successfully destroyed a total of 536 land vehicles, 17 locomotives, 109 wagons, 45 ships and 28 buildings.