This summer a group of Army veterans and military vehicle enthusiasts from the county will undertake a very ambitious and exceptional fundraising journey to mark the 80th anniversaries of D-Day and VE Day and commemorate the fallen of World War 2.
The Event – D-DAY to VE DAY – We will drive a troop of 1940s vintage WW2 jeeps across Europe along the exact route our former Regiment fought to liberate Europe in 1944 and 1945, from swimming its Sherman Tanks onto the beaches of Normandy on D-Day, through France, Belgium, and The Netherlands to their eventual location in northern Germany when peace was declared on VE Day, in effect following in the tank tracks of heroes. Along the way, we will visit battle sites and all the graves of our fallen and acknowledge their sacrifice. A journey of some 1800 miles, 3 weeks of driving, with 40 cemeteries and 200 graves. We set off just after VE Day in May.
The Charity – The aim is to raise significant funds for the Light Dragoons Charitable Trust, the charity of our own Regiment, and the first line of support to our veterans and families. Often starved of funds by the better-known national charities, the Light Dragoons’ Charitable Trust faces a future of increasing demand following a sustained period of combat operations in the Middle East and Afghanistan, and with the resultant physical, mental, and family trauma experienced by combat units, and intensified as our veterans get older. I draw your attention to the BBC interview on the homepage of the tour website which explains quite powerfully one aspect of the issues faced by many.
Raising Funds – To raise funds for the charity, the jeeps’ passenger seats are being auctioned off to enthusiasts to travel with us for a day or more, all profits going to the charity. A rare opportunity, to retrace history, visiting battle sites, memorials, museums, and cemeteries – and with the thrill of riding in a jeep for 100 miles a day.
The Team – The team comprises four Army veterans of the Light Dragoons, and three military vehicle enthusiasts. The veterans have over 80 years of service between us (I served 40 years) and all have experience of combat operations. All the team live in West Dorset, most having settled here after military service.
The Vehicles – The vehicles are three 1940s vintage Willys Jeeps, each privately owned by the team, and meticulously maintained. A journey of over 1800 miles is a phenomenal undertaking for such old vehicles and the risk of breakdown is very real and one which the team is set up to manage within our own resources keeping the tour on the road. We will travel 100 miles per day, which is also a challenge as they are difficult and tiring to drive.
Publicity – Selling the passenger seats is key to the success of this event and publicity is critical to getting the message out to potential participants. In recent weeks we have appeared on local radio and a local news site. We still need wider exposure to draw participants to our website. On social media presence is growing but not at a fast enough rate. Traditional news outlets will tap a different vein of interest.
Photo and interview opportunities – As we prepare for our tour, we are undertaking regular 100-mile trips around Dorset taking in WW2 sites and also testing the jeeps and ourselves for what lies ahead. These are excellent opportunities for photos and interviews. We are also available throughout the week and at short notice to be interviewed and photographed in the local area.
Unique Selling Points: This event has many newsworthy aspects:
- Unique – An event of this type and scale, crossing four countries over 1800 miles has never before been attempted due to the complexity and potential challenges it faces.
- VE 80 Commemorations – This event is timed to start just after the VE 80 Commemorations when this day of historical importance is in the public mind.
- Vintage Military Vehicles – The WW2 jeep is synonymous with WW2 and the age of these vehicles adds jeopardy to the whole event.
- Army Veterans – Raising money for their unit charity – “putting back in”.
- Small Army Charity – Raising money for a small charity, not the usual National Charities. Local connections – We are all Dorest residents.
- Local History – In preparation, we are traveling to important WW2 sites across Dorset, recognising the county’s huge contribution to World War 2, from our defence in 1940 to its role as a launch site for D-Day in 1944.
Where can you find out more? For more information on the event and to get involved please visit: ddaytoveday.com
