[9] It was also the first RAAF unit to use a roundel featuring a red kangaroo in a blue circle, on some parts of its aircraft.

Throughout the year, the squadron's aircraft operated in a mainly defensive role over the United Kingdom, but in December 1942, the squadron was re-equipped with Mosquito fighters and began offensive "Ranger" missions over Europe attacking a variety of targets ground targets including German rolling stock, and also attacking German bombers close to their airfields during "Intruder" missions.

Observer Feldwebel Otton Bahn was captured badly injured after his parachute failed to open but died of wounds.

The same fate befell Unteroffizier Gerhard Drews and Herbert Ehrhardt was listed as missing in action.

Oberfeldwebel Hans Brautigam, Obergefreiter Kurt Chalon, Alfred Maletzki were captured and Unteroffizier Robert Belz was killed.

At an altitude of 24,000 ft Brooks hit the German aircraft destroying the starboard engine and setting the wing alight.

[19] On 25/26 April three pilots were credited with victories: Flying Officer Roediger claimed a Junkers Ju 188 at 05:16 off Portsmouth.

[20] Flying Officer A. S. McEvoy claimed a further success on 14/15 May 1944, shooting down a Ju 188A-2 over Greenlands Artillery Range, Larkhill, Wiltshire at 02:00.

[22] During the Invasion of Normandy, the squadron provided air cover for Allied shipping, shooting down 14 German aircraft in the process.

456 Squadron's aircraft supported British troops around Arnhem, before concentrating their patrolling efforts over the Netherlands and Belgium.

[13] A move to Church Fenton occurred at the end of the year, and the squadron began operating over Germany, escorting heavy bombers and attacking German airfields.