The Westland Lysander served widely from the Western Desert to secret operations in occupied Europe. First replacing Audaxes in Egypt with No. 208 Squadron in 1939, it saw action alongside Hurricanes in reconnaissance roles. No. 6 Squadron also operated Lysanders from 1940, shifting from Palestine to the Western Desert. Though gradually replaced by Hurricanes, Lysanders found new roles in target towing, air-sea rescue, and clandestine SOE missions, where their short takeoff and landing capabilities excelled. Around 1,652 were built, including 225 in Canada, with the Mk IIIA as the final production variant.