Talking of cold and Wessex: at Leuchars (Scotland) in the'80's our SAR cabs were fitted for heated gloves and socks! You plugged in your wired Mk3 flying jacket and trousers and dialled up the warmth required!
Very good when winching some poor unfortunate out of Gardyloo gully on the Ben when it was minus 20.
I've still got the jacket (with plug ends at the cuffs for the gloves)