22 Signal Regiment (United Kingdom)

The 22nd Signal Regiment known as 22 Signal Regiment is a military communications signal regiment of the Royal Corps of Signals within the British Army. The regiment was formed in the middle of World War II supporting air formations, the regiment kept this role until 1962 when it gave it's control over to the 21st (Air Formation) Signal Regiment. The regiment continued providing communications support until 1992 when it was disbanded. The regiment was reformed in 2007 following the Delivering Security in a Changing World reforms in 2003. The regiment today provides communications support for the ARRC and the Joint Headquarters within the 1st (United Kingdom) Signal Brigade.

Background
During the latter stages of World War II, new air formation signals units were being formed. These units were formed to provide communications for Air Forces, Wings, and air bases. These units were to support the RAF and first started forming in 1943 as the Invasion of Normandy was nearing.

World War II
The 22nd Signal Regiment was first formed in 1943 as the 11th Air Formation Signals. By March, the regiment was fully organisation and manned. As a result the regiment joined the 83rd Group of the 2nd Tactical Air Force based in North-West Europe. During this time, the regiment didn't see any frontline service, but did provide service communications for the air force and supporting the communications of the bases and groups assigned to the force. The regiment saw service from 1944 to 1945 during the final push to Germany. The regiment was based in Celle by the time the war ended.

During this time, the regimental structure was very complex compared to other types of signals regiments. Air Formation signals regiments were not "regularlly" manned, meaning their had different structure depending upon their assignment. Usually one signal regiment was assigned per headquarters. By 1943, the signal regiments were reorganised so they all had a standardized structure. This reform was the result of the first signals committee headed by Lieutenant General Sir Alfred Reade Godwin-Austen. As a result, the regiment was reorganisaed into a standard structure;


 * Regimental Headquarters
 * 2 Line Troops
 * 2 Construction Troops
 * 2 Terminal Equipment Troops
 * 3 Telegraph Operating Troops
 * 2 Despatch Rider Troops
 * 1 Technical Maintenance Troop
 * 5 Wing Troops (asssigned to each air wing)