Well done Zis. Never even heard of an 'Air Cumbria' before but, there we are, that's what this is all about .. uncovering the past!
Westland Gazelle SA341 AH1 (with skis and skid-mounted float bags) sitting on the 'Relief Landing Platform' (aka the hangar roof) aboard the RFA Fort Austin during exercise 'Cold Winter' in northern Norway in March 1989 (Photo: Kevin Slade)
Kevin says:
"I should think the RLP was being used to allow the main flight deck to be used by the Sea Kings. The Gazelle was visiting for a liaison meeting as we had a large Marine detachment aboard. Pretty sure it was Exercise Cold Winter and we were in northern Norway. I remember we stopped in Altafjord as a task group and we were off the Lofoton Islands a few times. Just a shame I couldn't get the registration for the Gazelle."
The RFA Fort Austin seen with a Sea King utilising the RLP