Leaving their Kittyhawks behind, the 142 strong squadron crossed Canada by rail embarking on 2 November 1943 in Halifax for the sea voyage to the United Kingdom. The squadron was once again redesignated, this time as No.438 (Fighter Bomber) Squadron upon arriving at Royal Air Force Station Digby, Lincolnshire on 18 November. RCAF squadrons were renumbered between 400 and 449 to avoid confusion with other British Empire units also operating from the United Kingdom. Its new squadron code was "F3", it would retain it to the end of hostilities in Europe. The squadron moved to RAF Station Ayr Scotland on 10 January 1944 learning to fly the Hawker Hurricane easing their upcoming conversion to the powerful Hawker Typhoon. 438 Squadron was now one of 3 RCAF Typhoon squadrons forming No. 143 Wing RCAF, itself part of the 2nd Tactical Air Force.