The squadron was formed at the and of 1914, and was the first unit to be formed outside of the UK. It was mainly used for artillery spotting until the last few months of the war, when it was used in bombing operations. At the start of World War 2, it was one of only a few equipped with the modern Vickers Wellington aircraft. It re-equipped with Lancasters in Sept 1942. It was the first squadron to hit the enemy on 4th Sept 1939. It became one of 2 specialised squadrons attacking precision targets, the other being 617 Sqn. 9 Sqn is credited with the sinking of the Tirpitz. Post war it continued in Bomber Command with Lincolns, Canberras and Vulcans. It used Tornados in both Gulf Wars and now operates the Typhoon.