Between 1992 and 2010, it was based at RAF Kinloss as the Operational Conversion Unit for the Hawker Siddeley Nimrod MR2, until the retirement of the aircraft in March 2010.

[1][12] The squadron was based at La Gorgue in northern France from 1 September to 8 November 1916.

Initially the unit was equipped with Vickers Vildebeests before re-equipping with Bristol Beauforts in January 1940.

Equipped with Bristol Beaufighter, it was a strike unit in RAF Coastal Command until disbanded on 15 October 1947.

42 Squadron was reformed at RAF St. Eval, Cornwall, flying Avro Shackleton MR.1s in the maritime reconnaissance role.

[14] In 1961, the squadron deployed to Jamaica to provide support for relief operations after Hurricane Hattie struck the Caribbean and British Honduras.

42 (Torpedo Bomber) Squadron began to convert to the Hawker Siddeley Nimrod MR.1.

42 (TB) Squadron's crews won the Fincastle Trophy at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia.

[19] On 29 August 1985, Nimrod MR.2 XV229 helped locate the wreck of Virgin Atlantic Challenger.

42 (TB) Squadron won the Fincastle Trophy once again, this time at CFB Greenwood, Nova Scotia.

[19] In October 1990, the squadron deployed its crews to Seeb International Airport, Oman, and later to RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus, in January 1991 as part of Operation Granby.

[20] Nimrod MR.2 XV244 (Battle Star 42) was credited with 14 mission markings and four ship kills while deployed.

42 (R) Squadron made the Nimrod's last visit to Gibraltar on 20/21 March 2010 as part of Operation Active Endeavour.

42 (R) Squadron would serve as the OCU for the BAE Systems Nimrod MRA.4, however it was cancelled as part of the 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review,[21] with No.