22 Squadron Association Chairman
Paul Martin - Chairman 22 Squadron Association
I joined the RAF after one year at University and, having completed my flying training, I was posted to 72 Squadron at Odiham 1971 -1973 but like the rest of the Squadron I spent half of my time at Aldergrove. After a ground tour in Wing Ops at Gutersloh I was posted to 22 Squadron at Valley from 1976-78.
I returned to SAR after a short tour on 32 Squadron to fly the Sea King at Coltishall and Lossiemouth 1979 - 1984. I then went to Shawbury to complete my CFS(H) course and was sent to instruct at SARTU, Valley (again) 1984 - 1985. I was short toured to be OC GSU(H) and Wessex pilot which gave me the opportunity to maintain a very close relationship with 22 Squadron as our offices were in the Green Shed at Finningley and fortunately I was able to maintain my operational skills by going on shift with the 22 Squadron Flights, when I was not trapping. I spent the following 12 years at Shawbury 1988 - 2000 in one guise or another including a very enjoyable tour as a CFS(H) Examiner which enabled me to revisit the SAR Training Units and Squadrons both at home and overseas. I was then returned to SAR to fly the Sea King at Valley (yet again). Unfortunately after a couple of months on C Flight an overzealous doctor had me grounded. This lasted for a year, during the latter half of which I was detached to St Mawgan to help out in the Sea King Simulator and was asked to help write a history of RAF SAR Helicopters. My medical category was restored to me in July 2001 but too late to refresh and return to flying at C Flight before the end of my tour. I was short toured and returned to instruct on the DHFS at Shawbury.
As Chairman I see my role as helping to maintain the momentum of enthusiasm for the Association. I hope to be able to leave the normal Treasurer and Secretary administration matters to Mike Dane and Spike Wright and remain as a central point of contact for all other Association matters. Hence I have compiled this first Newsletter and have written the Association Internet Website with their primary aim of keeping all informed of what is happening with the Association and provide a forum for a full exchange of ideas. There is much to be done to develop the Association, so I ask for your patience as things seem to progress slowly; particularly as I still have a “day job” to take up much of my time. If you wish to get in touch please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best Wishes. Paul