A total of 158 British Aerospace (BAe) Nimrod and 20 Handley Page Hastings sorties were flown in support of the Royal Navy between 24 November 1975 and 2 June 1976.

http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/milestones-of-flight/british_military/1976.cfm

Equally interesting is the earlier use of Maritime Patrol Britannias

In an effort to conserve Nimrod flying hours, a small number of fishery protection sorties were also flown by Bristol Britannia transport aircraft from 20 July 1973.

http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/milestones-of-flight/british_military/1973.cfm

Any former Brit or Hastings crew out there wish to cast some light ?
Thanks in anticipation, for your time and trouble,
Be lucky
David