In July 1942, the squadron deployed to Malta, flying long-range fighter support for the Malta Convoy Operation Pedestal, attacking airfields on Sardinia and a convoy off Corfu before it returned to the UK, leaving its aircraft behind. Once back in the UK and with a fresh set of Beaufighters, the Squadron was tasked with carrying out fighter patrols over the Western Approaches and Bay of Biscay as part of No. 19 Group RAF from RAF Talbenny in Pembrokeshire. Together with fellow Beaufighter squadron No. 235, 248 had the particular role of opposing German Junkers Ju 88 fighters that were attacking Allied anti-submarine aircraft over the Bay of Biscay, with repeated combats taking place though the spring and summer of 1943, with the Squadron receiving Beaufighter Xs in June 1943, adding anti-shipping strikes to its missions and operating a detachment from Gibraltar.