The squadron was formed on 20 March 1943 at RAF Detling, Kent from personnel of no.309 Squadron and after training with Hurricane Mk.Is it moved to the Middle East, operating from RAF Muqeibila and RAF Gaza, continuing training, specifically with II Corps of the Polish Army, by now using Hurricane Mk.IIBs. Training went on till 1944, when the squadron converted to Spitfires.