The Westland Wessex entered RAF service in the early 1960s as an anti-submarine warfare helicopter. Being tough and reliable it proved to be a very effective transport helicopter, serving across the armed forces. The Wessex's combat swansong was during the Falklands Campaign and then continued to serve in the Search and Rescue.
Wessex XT480's involvement with 'Operation Corporate' was significant and was one of only a handful of Wessex to be operating over the Falklands during the campaign. It arrived at Port San Carlos on the islands on the 1st June 1982. Later moving to a Forward Operating Base at Fitzroy from where it was the only Wessex HU5 to be involved with the rescuing of survivors from the RFAs Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram.
Later damaged by mortar fire, XT480 returned to the United Kingdom at the end of the Falklands Campaign and spent time as a gate guard.
