This year being the 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings, the traditional Pendennis Castle MVT show was brought forward to the Whitsun Bank Holiday weekend in order to fit in with events planned by English Heritage and the local authorities. On the Friday people began arriving at the Castle in good time in order to get their tents pitched, the marquee erected, and the WO’s and Sgts Mess up and running. The weather at this point was excellent, and we all looked forward to a dry and sunny weekend. A short journey on the Saturday morning took some vehicles to the nearby Trebah Gardens. It was from here that some of the fourteen thousand-odd men of the US 29th Division embarked for the landing beaches in Normandy. At this time about 1,500 vehicles of this division were in the county, including a battalion of amphibious Sherman tanks. A service of remembrance took place, and various small vehicles took the visiting veterans down to the narrow track to the beach, for possibly one last look at their embarkation point.

Sunday was basically the Military Show day of the weekend. Held at the mighty Pendennis Castle, once more in glorious sunshine, there was a good Land Rover attendance, added to by a modern TA Ninety to further boost numbers. The fact that it was in its working clothes did not matter at all. Land Rovers in attendance included 101s, military half-tons, a 109 FFR (with all the kit, and more antennae than the rest of the show put together) and a couple of early vehicles in very shiny deep bronze green. Everything was in deep bronze green in the 50s and 60s, including Centurion, Conqueror, and Chieftain tanks. These days troops aren’t even allowed to paint their own tanks. Something to do with the Health & Safety Executive I expect….

You remember I mentioned the glorious weather? Not so on the Monday, unfortunately. On this day the 29th Division were given the Freedom of Falmouth, and a parade of bands, veterans, dignitaries and vehicles assembled and moved through the town pausing en route for ceremonies at the St Nazaire Memorial, and at Events Square where the Freedom of the town was bestowed. It was chucking down! However, as one vet pointed out, there were no bullets flying about, which did put the inclement weather into perspective somewhat. One veteran chose to pop in to a pub for a pint and decided to remain there. Sensible fellow. This was not quite as funny at the time, as there was some concern as to his safety. The driver of an open military half ton might have been better off joining him. Finally the whole parade moved on to the Falmouth Hotel for a last parade and dismissal, and hopefully an opportunity to dry out. All in all, a splendid way to finish the weekend (apart from the rain), and at this point perhaps I could thank in particular the organising committee of the Cornwall MVT for their efforts over the weekend and indeed the months leading up to the weekend.

Report and photo: Lawson Kent