The squadron's first operation - an attack on the Phillips radio factory at Eindhoven in the Netherlands on 6 December - characterised its subsequent career in precision raids against point targets. During early the squadron was involved in two distinct types of operations - "Ramrod" and "Flying Circus".
The objective of the first was simply the destruction of targets on the ground, whereas the aim of the second was to entice German fighters into aerial combat with the bomber escorts - the actual destruction of the targets on the ground was only a secondary objective.
Reflecting the difference in the tactics employed by the light bombers, from the night time area bombing conducted by the heavy bombers, 2 Group was transferred to Fighter Command on 1 June and became part of the 2nd Tactical Air Force.
By this stage, however, Squadron's Venturas were becoming increasingly vulnerable and its missions tailed off in July. The last Ventura mission was flown on the 10 July and on 12 July it was announced they would be replaced by De Havilland Mosquitos.
The versatility of the Mosquitos broadened Squadron's operational repetoire. It was employed in precision low-level bombing attacks against a wide range of targets, as well as a whole suite of new operations: "Flower": patrols to engage and destroy German night fighters; "Intruder": patrols conducted just after sunset or just before dawn, aimed principally at German bombers; "Ranger": aircraft roamed over enemy territory seeking targets of opportunity; and "No ball": strikes against the assembly and launch facilities for V1 Flying Bombs.
