Capel Military Vehicle Show to be bigger, better, and louder than ever

With everything from military motor cycles through to main battle tanks and frontline helicopters, the organisers aim to put an impressive range of vehicles on display, while still retaining a family-friendly village show atmosphere.

They also aim to raise vital funds for Help For Heroes.

Andy Davidson, a Royal Air Force flight lieutenant who is one of the show organisers, said the cause is an important one, with many wounded troops trying to rebuild their lives after suffering serious injuries.

“Long after our memories of Afghanistan have faded away, these guys will still need our support,” he said.

This will be the third show they have put on.

“As each year goes by, we realise there’s a little bit more we could do,” said show chairman John Dale.

To provide an extra spectacle for the crowds they have arranged for a Chinook to land on the Saturday and, commitments permitting, on the Sunday as well.

Visitors will be able to take a look inside the Chinook, which has recently been stood down from a humanitarian mission in Nepal.

“This year, we’ve gone for a really wide spectrum both of current serving vehicles and of retired stuff,” said Mr Dale.

They will also have some very committed historical re-enactors, representing British, American, Russian, and German forces.

Although many of the vehicles will be provided by the Military Vehicle Trust’s East Surrey and West Kent Area branch, the organisers have some impressive vehicles of their own.

Those available for a sneak preview included a 1960s Stalwart ‘Stolly’ amphibious vehicle; a Ferret armoured car (probably the cutest war machine you’ll ever see); and a T-34 tank capable of creating a deafening noise while firing 85mm blank shells - which it will do during the show.

Other notable vehicles were an impressive T-54, captured in Iraq and brought to the UK via a museum in Switzerland; a Second World War era M16 halftrack; and an FV 432 armoured fighting vehicle, fitted with a gun turret.

The show will be held at Aldhurst Farm in Temple Lane, Capel, on July 4 and 5.

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