The squadron was formed in May 1916 and during the First World War was used for home defence, before being disbanded in 1919, its last CO being Arthur Harris. It reformed in 1937 and by the start of World War Two was equipped with the Hampden. In 1942 it started receiving Manchesters and F/O Manser was awarded the Victoria Cross flying a Manchester against Cologne. It soon re-equipped with the more capable Lancaster and flew those until the end of the war. Post war if flew Lincolns, Canberras and Vulcans and was used in the Falklands War until the squadron was disbanded in 1984.