No 605 Squadron was formed as an Auxiliary Air Force Squadron. Initially formed as a bomber unit, it was one of the most successful participants of the Battle of Britain. It also had the distinction of being active during World War II at two fronts at a time, when the squadron was split up between Malta and the Duch East Indies. In its last incarnation so far the squadron served as the first jet fighter unit in the post-war Royal Auxiliary Air Force, 616 already having flown Gloster Meteors during World War II).