LZ asked if the S58T preceded the Wessex: the S58T prototype first flew on 26th August 1970.
The first Wessex was originally an imported S58 (piston powered) which was converted to an 1100shp Napier Gazelle NGa.11 gas turbine, first flown 17th May 1957. The Wessex HAS1 first flew 20th June 1958, and the first twin Wessex was the RAF's HC2, flown on 5th October 1962, with two Gnome engines.
As with most other Wessex drivers, I had some interesting times, in both single and twin engine versions. Claim to fame was having "truckie's suntan". Right arm would be four shades deeper tan than the left, flying with the door/window open all the time
