Popularity of stirring military convoy forces its return

THE stirring sight and sounds of a Second World War convoy rolling into a Dorset town proved such a draw it has been announced that the emotional event will return.

The Armour and Embarkation event returned to Dorchester on Saturday with wartime tanks, jeeps, trucks and motorcycles thundering through the county town before parking up outside Brewery Square.

While it was thought to be the last time the event will take place, organisers have now announced that it will return in 2026.

Tanks were driven through Moreton Ford on their way to the event (Image: Ben Williams)

Weymouth Avenue was closed for two hours, giving people the chance to walk among the military vehicles and talk to the vehicle’s owners, who were dressed up in 1940s attire.

READ MORE: 'Armour and Embarkation Day to return'

It is estimated that around 10,000 to 12,000 people were in town admiring 107 vehicles, a huge increase from the convoy’s last visit in 2022 with an estimated 6,500 visitors.

It came into town via Grey’s Bridge having travelled from Broadmayne and Bovington.

The vehicles were parked up in Weymouth Avenue, Dorchester so people could take a closer look (Image: NQ)

Phil Gordon, Dorchester Business Improvement District (BID) project director, said: “The feedback was so fantastic that it will return.

“So much effort goes into putting it all together, it’s a huge feat and takes nine months to organise. I’m sure the main organiser Jack Beckett is having a lie down now.

READ MORE: 'Armed forces convoy parades from Weymouth and Portland'

“While there’s so much interest and support for doing it they want to keep it going.”

Waving to the crowds (Image: Phil Gordon)

The nostalgic occasion attracted young and old alike.

Mr Gordon said: “It’s amazing the amount of people I spoke to who told me they had no interest whatsoever in looking at ‘big metal things’ but even they found themselves caught up in the emotion of it all.

“There was plenty of servicemen with their medals and it was really nice to see that.”

A school visit to Broadmayne (Image: Phil Gordon)

Organisers undertook school visits to Dorchester schools the day before the convoy, with some of the vehicles taken to Broadmayne Primary School, St Mary’s in Puddletown and St Osmund’s and Manor Park schools in Dorchester.

The educational visits helped make the occasion real ‘living history’ for youngsters, Mr Gordon said.

“It was a considered decision to keep it separate from the D-Day commemorations.

“It gave 10,000 people the chance to get up close to the vehicles.

“We’re so lucky that Dorchester was so proud to host it.”