Over the May Bank holiday weekend, a small group of classic military vehicle owners, gathered in North Yorkshire to put their armoured vehicles to the test, all in the name of charity.
Called ‘Armour in the Dales’, it was organised by our own David Forster of the North East Military Vehicle Club in conjunction with the Military Vehicle Trust. It was held on thevehicle training area on Catterick Garrison by kind permission of the M.O.D. and LANDMARC Estates.
Ten privately owned tanks and armoured cars turned up along with a small number of soft skinned support vehicles, dating from WW2 to the 70’s.
Apart from having some fun, the purpose of the exercise was to raise money for The Army Benevolent Fund and Scotty’s Little Soldiers, All those who attended paid their own transportation costs, as well as an entrance fee.
Catering for the event, was provided by the members of, the 29th Field kitchen.
The heavy-recovery, was provided by the124/102 REME from Newton Aycliffe. and their crews were kept very busy, as six of the seven tracked vehicles suffered one problem or other. One lost both tracks half way up a steep incline and took over 17 hours to recover.
David Forster said: “The two day event, had been cancelled twice and we had to limit numbers attending in order to comply with the present Covid, regulations. But the weather was fabulous, although very dry and dusty. All the participants, some of whom’ had travelled from as far away as Kent, Liverpool and Preston,thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the REME said it was one of the best training exercises they have had for some time.
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