The squadron formed at RAF Benson on 19 October 1942 from A and E Flights of the Photographic Reconnaissance Unit.

For a period, it used nearby RAF Mount Farm as its operational base.

The squadron was equipped with the Spitfires with to fly photo reconnaissance missions over Europe.

1323 Flight, moving to Westonzoyland on 15 December to prepare for its detachment to Australia.

At Laverton it carried out survey and sampling flights during the Operation Mosaic nuclear weapons tests in Australia between 1956 and 1957.