No. 22 Squadron RAF
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No. 22 Squadron of the Royal Air Force operates the Sea King HAR.3 and HAR.3A at four stations in the southern half of the United Kingdom.
History
Initially formed in 1915 as a reconnaissance unit, the squadron operated in France and Germany during and after the First World War. As part of the post-war draw-down, the squadron was disbanded in 1919.The squadron's second incarnation was as the shadow identity of the Aeroplane Experimental Establishment at Martlesham Heath, Suffolk. For ten years following this formation in 1923, the squadron was involved in testing new aircraft before they were accepted for service.
The squadron reformed again in 1934 in the torpedo bomber role, flying Vickers Vildebeests and later Bristol Beauforts. In this role, the unit flew sorties over the North Sea from its base at Donibristle.
Moving to the Far East in 1942, the unit was re-equipped with the Bristol Beaufighter, continuing its anti-shipping role, this time using rockets. The squadron disbanded for the third time at the war's end.
Search and Rescue
Reformed again in 1955, the Squadron took on the Search and Rescue role it maintains today. Initially equipped with Westland Whirlwinds, these were later replaced by the Westland Wessex. Finally, in the mid-1990s, the Sqn received 6 newly built Sea King HAR.3A to supplement the Sea King HAR.3 aircraft which replaced the Wessex aircraft.
The Sqn HQ is as of 2005 located as RAF St. Mawgan in Cornwall. Detachments of two aircraft operate from three other stations to provide search and rescue cover in their respective parts of the country; these are:
- 'A' Flight - RMB Chivenor, Devon
- 'B' Flight - Wattisham, Suffolk
- 'C' Flight - RAF Valley, Anglesey
Honours and Awards
In addition to the Battle Honours listed above (which are emblazoned on the Squadron Standard), the Sqn has been granted the following battle honours: Cambrai 1917, Somme 1918, Lys, Amiens, France and Low Countries 1940, Invasion Ports 1940, Biscay Ports 1940-1941.Flying Officer Kenneth Campbell was awarded the Victoria Cross for leading a flight of six aircraft in an attack on the German ship Gneisenau in Brest harbour. Campbell pressed home his attack and hit the ship, being shot down in the process.
RAF Sea King squadrons
- 22 Squadron - RAF St Mawgan, Wattisham, Chivenor, RAF Valley
- 202 Squadron - RAF Boulmer, RAF Lossiemouth, RAF Leconfield
See also
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