The squadron left on 13 August 1943 going to RAF Leeming where the unit re-equipped with Halifaxes.

The unit inherited the additional Mk.VII versions during March 1945 but disbanded shortly after on 15 May 1945 at the airfield.

[5] Not long after the last Canadian squadron disbanded the airfield was handed back to the Royal Air Force (RAF).

54 Operational Training Unit (OTU) which had moved in during November 1945 flying the de Havilland Mosquito.

288 Squadron RAF joined with their Supermarine Spitfire IX's and their Vultee Vengeance Mk.