MVTDDAY24

2024 - 80th Anniversary of the DDay Landings

The 80th Anniversary of DDay saw, a record number of MVT members attended the commemorations; over 1000 people and an impressive range of over 350 vehicles including motorcycles, staff cars, jeeps, command cars, ambulances, trucks, tracked vehicles and armour joined our #MVTDDAY24 and attended a wide range of commemorations, including large national events such as the parade at Bayeux and Arromanches. There were also scores of smaller gatherings, commemorations and acts of remembrance during the week which our members attended and we were invited by numerous museums and organisations to provide vehicles for their events.

Memories of DDay24

4th June 2024
Hill 112 Memorial Commemoration and School Visit

Nearly 100 members attended the commemorations at the Hill112 Memorial and welcomed 70 school children from the nearby school in Esquay. The Hill 112 Memorial Foundation was set up to continue the work of Normandy Veteran, Sgt Albert Figg, who worked tirelessly to turn the site, known in 1944 as ‘Death Valley’, into what is now known as Normandy’s ‘Hill of Peace’. The Memorial is now supported by the local villagers who manage and maintain the site. Our late Chairman Simon Johnson was a key figure in developing the site and so it was enormous pride that the MVT attended the dedication of a plaque in his honour. It was unveiled by Simon's wife Nina and son, Bradley. After further ceremonies, the local school children explored the fine range of vehicles. They will be the future custodians of the Memorial.

4th June 2024
Spirit of Normandy Trust Veterans' Reception

The Spirit of Normandy Trust hosted a group of 10 veterans at an evening reception at Caen City Hall and invited the MVT to provide vehicles to form a guard of honour. An impressive range of British and American vehicles, including a Daimler Dingo, K2 Ambulance, 2 Bedford MWs, a GMC and variety of jeeps, lined up in the beautiful gardens ready to welcome the guests of honour. Hundreds of local people came to greet them as they arrived. As the reception began, our exhibitors were given the priveledge of joining the veterans. It was a memorable evening for all those involved.

5th June 2024
Chateau Creullet and Arromanches

On 5th June, the MVT provided a vehicle escort for General Bernard Montgomery’s Rolls Royce Staff Car driven by Richard Hammond, who was filming a documentary about the car and its wartime service in Normandy. We met up at Chateau Creullet, just to the north of the town of Creully, where Montgomery's HQ was located and from where he coordinated the operations of the Battle of Normandy.
The MVT had already organised a selection of ten British vehicles to display that day, outside the new museum in Arromanches, at the invitation of their curator, Guillaume Dormy. Richard and his team agreed to join us.

In addition to the Rolls Royce, one of our members, brought along his Humber Staff Car marked up as the staff car Montgomery had used in the Desert Campaign and we provided 4 motorcycles to lead the convoy into Arromanches. where we displayed in front of the new museum. Once again there was an impressive range of vehicles, a Daimler Dingo, K2 Ambulance, Morris Staff Car, Morris C8, Morris C8 Radio Truck, Royal Navy BSA Motorbike, two Bedford MWs and a fine array of jeeps.

The crowds came out in their thousands and there was an incredibly high level of interest in our vehicles and displays, with language barriers being overcome. The welcome of the French people was incredible, making the day memorable and the atmosphere on the square was unforgettable.

6th June 2024
Support Our Paras Day at Ranville

The Charity "Support Our Paras" asked the MVT to support them on 6th June by providing vehicles to escort their guests from the Ranville Cemetery Service in the morning to spend the afternoon at Pegasus Bridge. Our volunteers met up at Ryes British War Cemetery where they were able to spend some quiet time paying their respects to the casualties buried there, before running the gauntlet of the June 6th road blocks. All went well and our 4 jeeps, command car and GMC met up with the representatives of the charity in Ranville. They travelled into Benouville to visit Pegasus Bridge and spent the sunny afternoon soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and enjoying great company and hospitality. Later on, the jeeps returned the Para VIPs to their hotel in Cabourg. Our support was much appreciated and we look forward to giving the charity further support in the future.

7th June 2024
The National Arromanches Beach Event

8th June 2024
MVT Rendez-Vous Omaha Beach

MVT members met up at Dog Red Sector on Omaha Beach to picnic in the sunshine .

9th June 2024
The Bayeux Parade

Well over 100 MVT vehicles took part in the Traditional 5-yearly Bayeux Parade, which ran around the ring road past the British Cemetery. Once again, Alistair Williamson and Alan Cuendet provided a commentary and tens of thousands of visitors lined the streets as 350 vehicles of all shapes and sizes paraded past. The welcome from the French People was amazing.

Château de Fontaine-Henry

MVT members had an open invitation to display alongside the local living history group ACC Normandie, at this spectactular venue. Located near Creully, the Château de Fontaine-Henry is a magnificent and fascinating Renaissance property that has remained in the same family for the past 800 years. Pascal and his team gave our members a warm welcome throughout the week.