Great War truck Posted June 7, 2015 Posted June 7, 2015 Just got back from what was an absolutely superb event and one which I will remember for a very long time. Information on the event was posted by Utah1944boy on this thread: http://hmvf.co.uk/forumvb/showthread.php?47110-Devon-D-Day-2015 John and I drove down on Friday stopping over with family to make a 7:00 AM arrival on Saturday. I was a member of the Devon MVT for many a years so it was nice to see so many old friends, with the shout of “Hey look, its Tim…..quickly drive off before he notice’s us” still ringing in my ears. Possibly the best event I have ever attended so many thanks to the organisers and to everybody who gave us a lift, which was very much appreciated. I have many images to post so I will make a start here. We hitched a lift in a Dodge to make an early start at the Assault Training Centre where we stopped off at the bazooka wall to set up some pyros to give a display of bazooka training as the convoy approached. GMC which followed the Dodge down My first ride of the day (the Dodge) First part of the convoy arrives: Rod who joined us from Oxfordshire: Tims GMC (my fourth ride of the day) One of three SWB GMC’s Mack, first time I had seen this one when it was not raining at Honiton Hill Quote
Great War truck Posted June 7, 2015 Author Posted June 7, 2015 Super Burma Jeep Preston and his American Land Rover Rob and his BSA REME Ward La France Quote
Great War truck Posted June 7, 2015 Author Posted June 7, 2015 The next stopping point was the concrete landing craft where the vehicles were reversed into position through the bows. Lots of gouges here when the GI’s practiced doing the same 70 years ago. The landing craft were built by engineers from the 146th one of whom left his name. There was then a memorial service and wreath laying which was very moving Followed by a flypast of Austers and piper cub Quote
Great War truck Posted June 7, 2015 Author Posted June 7, 2015 Then the landing craft were unloaded with differing levels of positive driving and enthusiasm: The stirred up mud created an interesting fragrance, so we all headed off for the next stop. Saunton Sands Quote
Degsy Posted June 7, 2015 Posted June 7, 2015 Super pics of what was obviously a great event. Thanks for posting Tim. Quote
Great War truck Posted June 7, 2015 Author Posted June 7, 2015 We lined up in the car park before heading off to Saunton where we lined up on the beach I very much admired Pauls new Bedford QL Quote
Great War truck Posted June 7, 2015 Author Posted June 7, 2015 I was very excited to hear that Charlie was bringing his LVT for a play as it would be great to see it in its natural environment: After running up and down the beach Will dipped its tracks in the water and the crowds descended for a closer look. Unfortunately, by this time I was in the pub and could only take photos from a long distance away: Unfortunately, the large number of wind/kite surfers did create a congestion issue. I would have thought the surfer would give way, but it seemed they did not feel the inclination Quote
Great War truck Posted June 7, 2015 Author Posted June 7, 2015 After they had returned to dry land I asked Charlie how he had got on. I cant remember his exact words but it was something along the lines of “jolly exciting”. Quote
Great War truck Posted June 7, 2015 Author Posted June 7, 2015 Next step was a run up and down the beach. Ended up a bit like a mad max movie. Quote
Great War truck Posted June 7, 2015 Author Posted June 7, 2015 Tim brought out the Sexton from the Cobbaton Combat Collection. This is one of those which was imported into the UK by Dave Freeman back in the 80's. it looked and sounded superb and Tim put it though its paces. Tim indicated that it was probably the longest he had driven it. Quote
Great War truck Posted June 7, 2015 Author Posted June 7, 2015 The highlight of the day has got to be the ride in the LVT. The noise, movement and heat from the radial engine are things I wont forget. Also the excitement followed by slight trepidation as the machine lifted and started to float. Makes me think a great deal about the US marines who used these in the Pacific. I have attached a few photos, but they really cant do justice to the amount of enjoyment I got out of the day. Many thanks Charlie and William for the ride: Quote
Great War truck Posted June 7, 2015 Author Posted June 7, 2015 Finally (and I promise not to post anymore photographs after this), by the time we got back to the beach my ride (and all my kit) had gone back to Cobbaton in the Dodge. I then hindered Tim in his loading of the Sexton for which he kindly gave me a lift back to Cobbaton in his ex Fury GMC (which I understand is up for sale). Smiles and waves all the way back to Cobbaton. If you have never been to that museum I would highly recommend it. Tim is currently restoring their Sherman which was in Fury. it is the one which blew up throwing the turret up in the air. It was recovered from a range and there is great deal to do to return it to running condition: Many thanks to Preston, Tim, the Devon MVT, First Wave 44 and the Friends of Braunton Burrows for arranging such a superb event. It sets the bar for the rest of the year. Quote
Tim Isaac Posted June 7, 2015 Posted June 7, 2015 It was a great day indeed Tim. Thanks to all who supported it and made this anniversary so memorable, hope to see all again. I got a nice pic of you guys getting soaked as we went out in the surf.. Quote
Enigma Posted June 8, 2015 Posted June 8, 2015 Wow, that looks like a fun event with those vehicles and planes! Quote
Papav66 Posted June 8, 2015 Posted June 8, 2015 Super pics, looks like great fun, thanks for posting. Quote
Great War truck Posted June 8, 2015 Author Posted June 8, 2015 Some clips have been appearing on Youtube. I was wondering how they got that LVT through that little gap: Then its first run down the beach: You will see a great deal of congestion with the surfers: Quote
Great War truck Posted June 8, 2015 Author Posted June 8, 2015 Not the first LVT at Woolacombe though. There was at least one there in 1944 with a Russian observers wearing US Navy uniforms. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljtjZ3SjdoQ Quote
Wolfy Posted June 11, 2015 Posted June 11, 2015 A mate of mine also said it was one of the best shows he had been to. One to watch. :cool2: Carleton Quote
matt0607 Posted June 12, 2015 Posted June 12, 2015 Great day, really enjoyed it Sent from my D5803 using Tapatalk Quote
anguscattlejulian Posted June 13, 2015 Posted June 13, 2015 Thanks for posting this. An incredible weekend, no doubt and what an array of vehicles. Quote
Tim Isaac Posted June 14, 2015 Posted June 14, 2015 A mate of mine also said it was one of the best shows he had been to. One to watch. :cool2: Carleton We`ve had so much good feedback that I think we`ll do it again in a couple years time. Quote
Packhow75 Posted June 14, 2015 Posted June 14, 2015 A couple of pics from the event... I will find some more later. Tim Quote
matt0607 Posted September 20, 2015 Posted September 20, 2015 A couple of pics from the event... [ATTACH=CONFIG]105121[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]105122[/ATTACH] I will find some more later. Tim A couple more Sent from my D5803 using Tapatalk Quote
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