based at raf abbotsinch near paisley, the squadron operated the hawker hind light bomber. the members of squadron—both pilots and ground staff—were reservists and completed their service on a part-time basis, in the evenings, weekends and an annual two–week summer camp. with the approach of war, the squadron converted to a fighter role and re-equipped with the supermarine spitfire. it mobilised on the outbreak of war at raf grangemouth on 6 october 1939 and then to raf drem a month later, charged with defending edinburgh and the shipping area around the firth of forth.