Valiant and Brave
The 22 Squadron Association was formed following the disbandment of 22 Squadron in 1946. However, with time, the membership level of the 22 Squadron Association fell to a point where the Association could not be sustained on its own and, in 2000/2001, the 22 Squadron Association was amalgamated with other ex-Beaufort Squadron Associations to form the Beaufort Association. The old 22 Squadron Association ceased to exist as a separate organisation.
22 Squadron was re-formed at Thorney Island in 1955 as a Search and Rescue Helicopter Squadron.
Unfortunately there had been no continuing link between the 22 Squadron Association, formed after the Second World War, and the 22 Squadron Membership, both serving and retired, with its Search and Rescue Helicopter role. Consequently the 22 Squadron Association membership continued to be almost exclusively from its World War Two, fixed wing past.
Coincidentally in 2001, it became evident that there was no active Association for members of 22 Squadron and a positive move was made to reform the 22 Squadron Association. As many past and present members of 22 Squadron as possible, with known addresses, were contacted and invited to join the new 22 Squadron Association. By March 2002 almost 100 positive replies had been received and an inaugural Meeting and Reunion was held in Barnstaple, close to the Squadron Headquarters and A Flight 22 Squadron. The Meeting and Reunion was a great success.
The 22 Squadron Association is now fully formed, combining the "Old 22 Squadron Association" with the "New 22 Squadron Association". Life membership of the "Old Association" has been transfered to the 22 Squadron Association without charge; previous Yearly Membership has been transfered to Life membership at a one-off payment of £10.00. No further Life Membership will be offered because inflation would reduce the financial viability of the Association. The cost of membership of the 22 Squadron Association is: £10.00 to join, which includes the first year's subscription fee; subsequent fees are set at £5.00 for each year of membership. The aim of the 22 Squadron Association is to form a lasting bond between 22 Squadron and all its present and past members, aircrew and ground crew, fixed wing and rotary wing crews alike. The 22 Squadron Association is there for you to make as much of, or as little as you wish.
Many past and present members of 22 Squadron have failed to answer the call to join the Association. Possibly because they did not receive the introductory letter and possibly because they felt that "Associations were not for them". All past and present members of 22 Squadron are invited to join the 22 Squadron Association. If you feel that you would like to join the 22 Squadron Association at some time, but not yet because of other commitments, please contact us and we will place your name on the "22 Squadron Association database" to be activated at your request.
Please call all those you know from 22 Squadron and let them know of the benefits of joining a worthwhile and enjoyable Association.