An entry in the 23 Squadron RAAF Operation Record Book read as follows:-

26 Feb 1943
FORMATION OF NEW UNIT

No. 83 Squadron formed from "C" Flight, No. 23 Squadron, at Strathpine.

83 Squadron was formed as a 'Home Defence' Fighter Squadron (probably as No. 23 Squadron had been relocated to Lowood from Archerfield) with the role to intercept unidentified and hostile aircraft, surface vessels and submarines in the Brisbane area. The squadron was initially manned with 10 officers and 27 airmen and equipped with six P-39 Airacobra fighters transferred from No. 23 Squadron.

The 6 P-39 Airacobra fighters previously on inventory to No. 23 Squadron were deleted from inventory the date No. 83 Squadron commenced operations.

On 11 March 1943, Officers from the School of Military Intelligence at Redcliffe visited 83 Squadron at Strathpine for the purpose of map reading and recognition of pin points from the air. Two Gypsy Moth aircraft from 5 Squadron at Kingaroy were used for this training.

At 1202 hours on 30 March 1943, P-39D-BE Airacobra A53-8, #40-3017, piloted by Sgt C. N. McLeod crashed on landing. The aircraft was severely damaged after its undercarriage collapsed and fortunately the pilot was uninjured.

On 14 April 1943, Boomerang A46-17, piloted by Sgt Patterson of 83 Squadron crashed on landing at Strathpine Airfield causing extensive damage to the aircraft. The pilot was uninjured.

On 22 April 1943, Boomerang A46-15 piloted by F/Sgt Felgenhaur of 83 Squadron crashed on landing after a test flight at Strathpine Airfield. The aircraft swung into tress on the edge of the runway and was extensively damaged. The pilot was slightly injured.