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 exit as a separate organisation.
22 Squadron was re-formed at Thorney Island in 1955 as a Search and Rescue Helicopter Squadron.
Coincidentally in 2001, it became evident that there was no active Association for members of the re-formed, Search and Rescue Helicopter, 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 were contacted. By March 2002 almost 100 positive replies had been received and an inaugural Meeting and Reunion was held in Barnstaple, close to the 22 Squadron Headquarters and A Flight 22 Squadron. The Meeting and Reunion was a great success.
The aim of the 22 Squadron Association was to form a lasting bond between the past and present members of 22 Squadron, aircrew and ground crew, fixed wing and rotary wing crews alike.
ROYAL AIR FORCE SEARCH AND RESCUE HELICOPTER ASSOCIATION - RAFSARHA
Sadly, by 2023 it had become clear that, with falling numbers attending Reunions, the 22 Squadron Association was becoming unviable. Discussions with the 202 Squadron Association culminated in the proposal to form a new Association: The Royal Air Force Search And Rescue Helicopter Association - RAFSARHA. The Inaugural Meeting/AGM of RAFSARHA is planned to be held in November 2024.
RAFSARHA