the squadron was formed at raf ringway on 1 february 1939 in the army cooperation role as part of no. 22 (army co-operation) group. it was initially intended that the title 'east lancashire' squadron would be used, but this could have been confused with no. 611 squadron raf, named 'west lancashire', based at liverpool's airport at speke. the link with the city of manchester was therefore created.