422 Tactical Helicopter Squadron

Squadron standard

Badge

Description

Argent cubit arm adorned holding in the hand a tomahawk head Gules handle adorned.

Significance

The painted arm indicates that the Native brave is at war. The motto, from Shakespeare, refers to the squadron's striking power.

Motto

THIS ARM SHALL DO IT

Battle honours

The Second World War

ATLANTIC, 1942-1945; ENGLISH CHANNEL AND NORTH SEA, 1944-1945; Normandy, 1944; BISCAY, 1944-1945; ARCTIC, 1942.

Lineage

• Authorized as '422 (General Reconnaissance) Squadron' 3 April 1942.^{Footnote 1}
• Redesignated '422 (Transport) Squadron' 5 June 1945.^{Footnote 2}
• Disbanded 4 September 1945.^{Footnote 3}
• Reformed as '422 (Fighter) Squadron' 1 January 1953.^{Footnote 4}
• Disbanded 15 April 1963.^{Footnote 5}
• Reformed as '422 Strike/Attack Squadron' 15 July 1963.^{Footnote 6}
• Disbanded 1 July 1970.^{Footnote 7}
• Reformed as '422 Tactical Helicopter Squadron' 1 January 1971.^{Footnote 8}
• Disbanded 16 August 1980.^{Footnote 10}

Operational history

The Second World War

The squadron flew on reconnaissance, convoy escort and anti-submarine operations in Great Britain, Iceland, Gibraltar and the Soviet Union under 'Coastal Command'.^{Footnote 11}

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