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Westland Wessex HC.2

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1964-2002, In Storage, X003-3615

Produced as a turbine-powered development of the American Sikorsky S-58, the initial British production version was the Wessex HAS Mk 1 for the Royal Navy, entering service in 1961. First flown in January 1962, the RAF variant, the HC Mk 2, was a high-performance development of the Mk 1, with two coupled Bristol Siddeley Gnome turboshaft engines. It was intended for transport, ambulance and general purpose duties, including carrying 16 fully-equipped troops or a 4000lb underslung load (such as a 105mm Pak Howitzer) and ground assault with Nord SS-11 anti-tank missiles and machine guns. It entered service, with No 18 Squadron at RAF Odiham, in January 1964, with 71 delivered. The HC Mk 2 became a familiar sight on anti-terrorist operations in Northern Ireland, and supported UN Peacekeeping forces in Cyprus.

Westland Wessex HC2, green coloured helicopter, © RAF Museum/Iain Duncan / (c) RAF Museum/ Iain Duncan

Recorded interview with Flight Lieutenant Graham Peter Andrews, 15 April 2015

Film & Sound, In Storage, X005-6798

Recorded interview with Graham Andrews, who served as air quartermaster in Britannia aircraft and as a crewman in Wessex and Whirlwind helicopters on army support and search and rescue operations.

Image pending

Recorded interview with Lieutenant Commander David Morgan, 25 October 2018

Film & Sound, In Storage, X008-4805

Interview with David Morgan, who served as an RAF helicopter and Harrier pilot, flew Royal Navy Sea Harriers during the 1982 Falklands War and later transferred to the Royal Navy.

Image pending

Recorded interview with Warrant Officer Tony Barker, 5 July 2021

Film & Sound, In Storage, X008-5675/008

Interview with Tony Barker, who served as ground crew on Phantom aircraft and Wessex, Puma and Chinook helicopters in the UK, including Northern Ireland, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and the Caribbean.

Image pending

Recorded interview with Squadron Leader Steve Carr, 20 January 2022

Film & Sound, In Storage, X008-5692

Steve Carr served as an RAF pilot in Wessex and Chinook helicopters from 1985 to 2004. During the 2003 Iraq War he landed Royal Marines on the Al Faw peninsula.

Image pending

Recorded interview with Master Aircrew Paul Challice, 18 September 2018

Film & Sound, In Storage, X008-4799

Interview with Paul Challice, who was a radio operator in Beverley transport aircraft and as crewman, winchman and winch operator in Wessex, Whirlwind and Sea King search and rescue helicopters.

Image pending

Recorded interview with Sergeant David Lloyd, 1 August 2022

Film & Sound, In Storage, X008-7350

Interview with David Lloyd, who served as an aircraft communications technician on various aircraft types, including Canberra bombers, Beverley transport aircraft, Lightning fighters, Victor tanker aircraft and helicopters, including Chinooks.

Image pending