The squadron formed at RAF Matlaske on 22 December 1941 equipped with the Lysander, Walrus and then the Anson. Spitfires were then supplied for spotting downed aircrew. The area of operations of the squadron was the coast of East Anglia and North East England. There were also detachments in Scotland.

The Warwick was operated from April 1944 and the Sea Otter from May 1945. The squadron was disbanded at Thorney Island on 15 October 1945.

Aircraft operated by no. 278 Squadron RAF From To Aircraft Variant
Oct 1941 Feb 1943 Westland Lysander IIIA
Feb 1943 May 1944 Avro Anson I
Apr 1944 May 1944 Supermarine Spitfire IIA
Apr 1944 Jan 1945 Vickers Warwick I
May 1944 Feb 1945 Supermarine Spitfire VB
May 1945 Oct 1945 Supermarine Sea Otter II

Below AB981 Spitfire LF Mk Vb.

Regards Duggy