Hungerford Arcade was very proud to welcome back the Vintage Military Vehicles for the start of their “Remembering D-Day 1944 Tour”. We last saw them in November 2020 when they were outside here at the Arcade raising money for the Royal British Legion.
This morning the owner/drivers started off with a hearty English breakfast in Alexander’s Tea Room, upstairs in the Arcade, which opened especially for them, before setting off along the A4 to Savernake Forest visiting the many bunkers and ammunition pits dotted around the forest.
Next it is onto Marlborough High Street for a parade through the town and a well earned cup of tea.
Their final destination is Chiseldon. Chiseldon Army Camp was opened in 1914 and closed in 1962. During both World Wars it was heavily used as a training base for troops. A World War I soldier, Arthur Bullock, recorded overcrowding and appalling conditions, including, in the canteen, having to re-use tables and plates from a previous sitting, on which lay ‘bones and chewed bits of gristle’. He also recalls being kept awake by a St. Bernard dog, ‘the mascot of the camp’. In World War II the camp was a major base for US Army troops.
GMC Tipper Paul with his Dodge Command Vehicle
Andy with his Willys Jeep Gary’s rare Bedford Tanker
June;s Beloved Land Rover Liams Dodge Weapons Carrier
Have a great day, Gary (the organiser – in green top), June (Gary’s wife and chief Mascot!) Liam, Paul, Andy, Aiden and the honourable gentleman in the beige waistcoat. Thank you for everything you do for the Armed Forces Memorial Days.
