It was first formed as a day bomber unit in February 1918, but was disbanded on 4 July of that year without seeing service. From 29 June to 12 July 1941, the designation was assigned to a detachment of Hawker Hurricanes and Gloster Gladiators in service in Iraq before they were renumbered No. 261 Squadron. After that, the designation was taken up again and the squadron who served in Egypt.