 After its formal formation in Blackpool on 24 August 1940 No.307 squadron was assembled at RAF Kirton-in-Lindsey on 5 September 1940 as a night fighter unit, flying the Boulton Paul Defiant turret-fighter and took up residence at RAF Jurby, Isle of Man.The sole surviving example of the Boulton Paul Defiant, with serial number N1671, served in the squadron and can be seen on display at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford.