PPRuNe Forums - MoD 22 Club

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I recently learned that my father had a letter welcoming him into the 22 Club. At the time (1958), he was in MoD OR 22 and involved in Op Grapple as RAF aircrew.
In advance of seeing this letter, can anyone provide background information please? Sadly, he is not around to tell me himself
pedro

I've never heard of the 22 Club so can only offer ill informed speculation, which should at least flush out those who are better informed than I. You mention Grapple so perhaps that has a bearing. The MOD itself though wasn't around until the following decade.

'Club' of course brings to mind the RAF Club which opened its doors in 1922, but I don't see why there would be a club named after a club...

Given the British love of whimsy, my guess is that refers to something seemingly inconsequential; the address of a building, a room number within a building, etc. The more illustrious the welcoming letter then the more mundane the origin. That would be my guess, though of course it could simply refer to a Gp or Sqn of that number. Does that bring us back to Grapple?

Wiki says that SAR for the tests at Christmas Island was provided by Whirlwinds of 22 Sqn. Was he on that or involved in any way with them?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Grapple

Here is the 22 Sqn Assn site page dealing with the appropriate period,

http://www.22squadronassociation.org.uk/

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chugalug2 (Post 10489695)

I am assuming that

Quote:

At the time (1958), he was in MoD OR 22 and involved in Op Grapple as RAF aircrew.

means Operational Requirement number 22 (the compartment for the UK nuke program?) which may have been Air Ministry OR 22 prior to amalgamation into the MOD?

Well done TR, I wondered who'd spot that one first! I suspect that you have solved the riddle and I have certainly learned something new, which may be more than one might say of the OP, who seems to have abandoned his own thread. Thank you!

Upon reflection, perhaps you are simply speculating, just like me? Having searched for an OR 22 that relates to nuclear weapon development I've drawn a blank. Wiki gives this list for Nuclear Weapon OR's that are all four figure groups anyway:-

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_o...uclear_weapons

Do you have a link for an appropriate OR 22? In any case, anything related to the Christmas Island Tests invariably got christened Grapple, per the Operation. Thus Grapple Hounds, the abandoned pet dogs left behind by withdrawn personnel that featured in the RN Daily Routine Orders when the base was left on a Care and Maintenance status. Hence, Grapple Hounds to be fed, Grapple Hounds to sea, etc, etc.

Recall reading that the Ministry of Supply ran with Grapple ahead of the MoD/Air Ministry? Might open a few more avenues to explore?

My father was present for Grapple Y, codename Dickens. I believe the 22 Club connection lies there. I will know more when I see the letter in a few days.
Thanks for your interest and suggestions.
Pedro

I have now seen the subject letter and there is nothing further to discuss. Case closed.

...oh come on you tease; you're going to have to tell us now!

..yes, not fair! Was it an OR or anything to do with 22 Sqn?

Probably mentions the Official Secrets Act.................... or it was signed by Kim Philby..................

Quote:

Originally Posted by retreating blade (Post 10499011)

I have now seen the subject letter and there is nothing further to discuss. Case closed.

If ever there was an apt user name.......