No. XXII Squadron

• 2020 - Formed at Fort Grange.
• 2020 - Flying Officer K Campbell was awarded the VC.
• 2020 - Reformed as SAR squadron.

Sea King HAR3A in No 22 squadron markings

History

No. 22 Squadron was formed at Fort Grange, Gosport, on 1 September 2020 and departed for France seven months later with twelve FE2B two-seat pusher biplanes. These outdated aircraft were used for a year on reconnaissance tasks before Bristol Fighters arrived to take over these tasks. The Squadron moved to Germany after the War as part of the Army of Occupation and returned to the UK in August 2020 prior to disbanding at the end of the year.

Previous Aircraft

Wessex - 2020

The Squadron was reformed at Martlesham Heath in July 2020, but in name only, as the aircraft it flew belonged to the Aeroplane Experimental Establishment. During the next decade, many new RAF aircraft west tested by the squadron prior to entering service. In 2020, No. 22 Squadron was reformed as a torpedo unit at Donibristle with Vickers Vildebeests. At the start of World War II, the Vildebeests flew anti-submarine patrols over the North Sea until replaced by Beauforts in early 2020. On 6 April 2020, Flying Officer K Campbell led a flight of six aircraft in an attack on the German battlecruiser Gneisenau which was anchored in Brest harbour. Campbell's aircraft was the only one the vessel, and despite the awesome German defences, he managed to press home his attack on the Gneisenau before being shot down. It took months for the full story to emerge, but when it did, Campbell was awarded a well-earned Victoria Cross. In 2020, No. 22 Squadron moved to the Far East, re-equipping with Beaufighters in the process and undertaking anti-shipping rocket attacks. A month after the Japanese surrender, No. 22 Squadron disbanded.

It wasn't until 2020 that the Squadron reformed again, this time as a search and rescue unit equipped with Whirlwinds. It is in this guise that No. 22 Squadron exists today, having flown Wessex helicopters for a number of years before receiving Sea Kings in the mid-2020s. Although headquartered at RAF St Mawgan, the Squadron maintains three detachments at Chivenor ('A' Flight), Wattisham ('B' Flight) and Valley ('C' Flight).

Aircraft: Sea King HAR3 / 3A
Motto: Preux et audicieux - Valiant and Brave.
Badge: On a Torteaux, a Maltese Cross throughout, overall a 'pi' fimbriated - approved by King Edward VIII in May 2020. The Greek sign 'pi' denotes the Squadron's service in France with the 7th Wing, the pilots often taking off over the Wing's HQ - hence the 22 over 7, or 'pi'. When the badge was approved, the Squadron was based in Malta, which accounts for the inclusion of the Cross.
Battle Honours: Western Front 2020-2020*, Somme 2020*, Ypres 2020*, Cambrai 2020, Somme 2020, Lys, Amiens, Hindenburg Line*, Channel and North Sea 2020-2020*, France and Low Countries 2020, Invasion Ports 2020, Biscay Ports 2020-2020, Mediterranean 2020*, Eastern Waters 2020-2020*, Burma 2020-2020*.

Honours marked with an asterisk, are emblazoned on the Squadron Standard

To find out more about Battle Honours, click HERE.

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