In the First World War The squadron was formally formed at
Thasos on 1 April 1918 from "A" Squadron of the former No. 2 Wing,
RNAS when the
Royal Air Force was formed. At this time,
Richard Peirse became
Officer Commanding 222 Squadron. Later, on 6 April 1918, former "Z" Squadron of No. 2 Wing, RNAS was added to the strength. Renumbered No. 62 Wing and consisting of Nos. 478, 479 and 480 Flights, the squadron was given the task of maintaining raids on Turkish targets in
Macedonia and
Thrace, operating from islands in the Northern Aegean, officially adopting the 222 Squadron number plate on 14 September 1918. The squadron continued to carry out raids on Turkish targets in the Balkans until the end of the war, eventually disbanding on 27 February 1919.
In the Second World War On 5 October 1939 No. 222 Squadron was reformed at
RAF Duxford flying
Bristol Blenheim IF's in the shipping protection role, It later took part in
Operation Jubilee, the 1942
Dieppe raid. In December 1944 the squadron converted to
Hawker Tempests, which it flew until the squadron was recalled to the UK to re-equip with
Gloster Meteors. but on 1 November 1957 No. 222 was disbanded.
On Rockets In its last incarnation on 1 May 1960, No. 222 became a
Bristol Bloodhound SAM unit at
RAF Woodhall Spa, but after four years service in this role it disbanded on 30 June 1964. ==References==