Helicopters were a rare sight in New Zealand when the HMAS Sydney visited Wellington in May 1955. The first New Zealand owned helicopter, a civil Hiller UH-12, had flown only four months earlier. The Sycamore from 723 Squadron put on a demonstration at Basin Reserve, which is Wellingon's cricket ground. XD656 experienced engine trouble and was forced to ditch into the sea near the submarine HMS Telemachus on November 21, 1957. Photo from: Evening Post / Alexander Turnbull Library