Today was a good day - Alhumdolilah,
Gear box was removed with the help of my mechanic. He grabbed it from one side and I from the other and we carefully pulled it back and then up and over to the passenger side. Then after a short breather it was lifted out from the passenger door and kept on the garage floor just as the workshop manual said it should be done.
Amongst the loud applause I present pictures:
Gearbox removed
Initial gearbox inspection results
Another view of the leaking seal
So now the strip down work will begin tomorrow. I'll begin with the front end of the box and work backwards. I also had a cursory look at the engine seal hidden behind the flywheel. Initial inspection reveals no leakage but I won't bet on it.
Cheers