T
he brainchild of David Forster, Armour
in the Dales was set up as a fundraising
event for Help for Heroes and Catterick’s
Phoenix House facility. In exchange for a very
reasonable registration fee, vehicle owners
were offered a unique opportunity to test their
driving skills and their machine’s capabilities
on the expansive and varied terrain of the MoD
training areas in North Yorkshire.
David, his wife Doris, along with Bob Fleming
and other members of the North East
Military Vehicle Club (NEMVC) organised this
charitable spectacular with the support of the
MoD, Landmark, MVT trained safety marshals
and various other volunteers.
Judging from the grins on the faces of the
drivers and passengers of the assembled
collection of unusual vehicles - the weekend
proved a great success.
There were 19 armoured vehicles and 22 soft-
skins and under the supervision of the range
master Martin Robson they took part in various
driving activities over two days. Safety was
paramount but with a view to facilitating fun
not imposing limitations.
Spencer Townson provided emergency fi re
service cover, and men and MAN recovery
vehicles from the 12/102 REME Company were
on hand to fi x breakdowns and tow anyone
who got themselves stuck. Food was provided
when wanted by the 29th Field Kitchen group.
The weekend had everything weather wise;
some bright sunshine but a lot of wind, rain
and sleet but it did nothing to dampen spirits.
To folks used to static display of military
vehicles, the odd road run and, if
lucky, perhaps the occasional slow
rumble round a show arena, thisArmour
words and pictures Vicky Turner
D e
Catterick Range hosts an array of armoured
and soft-skinned vehicles
event provided the rare treat of being able to
open the throttle up.
There are miles of dirt tracks in the perimeter
roads, drivers could stare at the sky through the
view fi nder on the top of the knife-edge before
cresting and plummeting down the other side,
teeth rattled loose on the rumble strips, nerves
were tested along with technical driving skills
on the lengthy and challenging off-road course.
The water obstacles and plenty of mud to play
in also provided lots of entertainment.Of course, set on top of the North York
Moors, the venue provided a spectacular
backdrop with panoramic views and a perfect
vantage point to watch the activities. Who
wouldn’t want to spend time watching a T34, a
Ferret, Universal Carrier, CVRTs, Jeeps and
military Land Rovers having fun, doing what
they were built to do, all in the name of a good
cause? Here is hoping that there may be
another such event in the future – it really was
pretty special.Steve Walling and Gary
Stockwell showing that
cresting the peak of the
Knife Edge takes nerves
and skill