Photo by A. le Nobel.

This oldy was part of an order of forty Wessex HU5s for the Royal Navy. It was delivered on 22 February 1966. First assigned to 707sq, later to 707sq, 846sq, the A&AEE and then 771sq (as pictured). It received number A2695 when it became and instructional airframe at RAF Gütersloh (Germany). The Wessex was then seen stored at Gosport/HMS Sultan from April 1999 onwards. Up for disposal and believed to be sadly scrapped.

Delivered new to RN May 1967. Retired in September 1993 and transferred to the Fleet Air Arm Museum.

The Fleet Air Arm's Wessex demonstrator for the 1973 season from 771 NAS making a spirited landing. Became GI airframe, to Predannack and perished by July 1991.

Instructional airframe A2696

A2693

Wearing 771 Sqdn's famous "Ace of Clubs" markings. XM841 appeared at many displays throughout 1973. Became GI airframe, to Predannack and perished by July 1991.

Middle Wallop hosted the 2nd FAI World Helicopter Championship in July 1973 culminating with the Army Air Day on 28th July. The display opened with representative aircraft flying past carrying their team/country flag. XM841 carries the white ensign of the Royal Navy. Became GI airframe, to Predannack and perished by July 1991.

Highlight of the Koksijde show was this marvelous looking Wessex HU5, which arrived from RNAS Culdrose. The HU5 is a UK-built turbine-powered development of the Sikorsky H-34 Choctaw. The HU5 (101 built) was initially produced for the Royal Navy and later for the Royal Air Force. Within the RN it was operated as an anti-submarine warfare and utility helicopter, but was also used for SAR missions. The type entered service in '61, and had a service life of 'some 40 years before being retired in the UK. This XS484 also served during the Falkland War. It was scrapped at Hanningfield Metals in '97.

One of the local Search and Rescue Sea Kings returning to its Prestwick base, HMS Gannet. Coded "19" and carrying markings celebrating "60 years, 1953-2013, of Royal Navy Search and Rescue", with the Navy's first dedicated helicopter unit having been established in 1953.

Ex A2618, XV705. Retired in 2015 and sold to Witham Specialist Vehicles Ltd., Colsterworth, and sold on in July 2017.

Wearing special markings commemorating forty years of Sea King operations (1969-2009).