Following the tremendous success of last year’s show the Essex Classic Military Vehicle and Aircraft Show will once again be held at the impressive Damyns Hall Aerodrome in Upminster, Essex. Damyns Hall is one of the few airfields in Britain that is located within the M25 and is less than two miles from the wartime airfield of RAF Hornchurch. This year’s event marks the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, and pays homage to the brave men and women who risked their lives during the darkest days of 1940, defeating Hitler’s Luftwaffe and paving the way for victory.   The event will be opened by a local WW2 veteran who will start proceedings by firing the 25pdr field gun
	Over the course of the weekend the 1940’s will be revisited with displays of three life-size replica Spitfires, over 250 vintage military vehicles, an armoured vehicle parade, and for the first time since the war an example of every military vehicle that was produced locally at Fords Dagenham plant will be reunited.  There will also be dazzling aircraft fly-over's including a WW2 Spitfire, a Messerschmitt 108, and a breathtaking wing-walking display on a 1930’s Boeing Stearman Biplane. There will also be an opportunity to meet over 50 living history groups, creating an exceptional atmosphere at this memorable event.
	Damyns Hall Aerodrome is an excellent location for an event that provides a distinctive vintage feel and makes one of the most powerful events in world history exciting and accessible. Over 10,000 people attended last year and the Essex Branch of the Military Vehicle Trust have worked hard to ensure a great day out for all of the family in 2010.  There are many things that may surprise and educate through the day, not least of which is a full size submarine conning tower in the middle of an airfield. . . The show will feature numerous historic military vehicles from many nations, armies and periods, including everything from a bicycle to jeeps, trucks, armoured vehicles, tanks and a very rare and massive “Dragon Wagon”  armoured tank recovery vehicle.
	Vintage aircraft displays and fly in. An opportunity to see classic aircraft of yesteryear. Displays include: Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (pending final confirmation), a WW2 Spitfire and a Messerschmitt 108, Wing walking with a Boeing Stearman of WW2 vintage, Bell “MASH” helicopter with more displays still to be confirmed.  Flour Bombing! Your opportunity to fly in a 1930’s aircraft and drop flour bombs on a target! We hope it’s a tank!
	Over 50 Living History displays will be playing an important part in this years show with large areas of the aerodrome given over to living history groups including a representation of a WW1 trench system.  These range from the medieval period through to the present. Arena displays, including equipment and tactics displays, Vehicle Parade, Armoured vehicle procession and Tank running.  We even get the kids involved.  And expect some loud bangs when we are privileged enough to experience the awesome WW2 25pdr field gun opening and closing each day’s events.
	As if that’s not enough, there will also be stalls selling all manner of collectable's, uniforms, militaria for the military enthusiast or those who just want to own a little bit of history. In addition a shooting gallery and stalls for all the family! With even more refreshment facilities, including the bar and marquee and all day live entertainment, you will find there is so much to see and do at this exciting event
	Also available are Helicopter Rides in a Bell 206 Jet Ranger . The flight time 6-8 minutes ( 12 mile circle of the local area) and the cost will be £30.00 per adult and £25.00 for children including VAT (Operated by AV8 Helicopters under AOC No. GB2261)

 GENERAL INFORMATION

• The Military Vehicle Trust is a registered charity with over 5000 members with branches throughout the UK and dedicated to the restoration and preservation of historic military vehicles and more importantly those who used them. We see them as “mobile memorials”
  
  
• Damyns Hall is situated just five minutes drive within the M25 situated close on the Essex/Kent border close to London with easy access from the M25/A13
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• Over 10,000 public attended the show last year.
  
  
• Essex MVT donate profits raised from this event to several charities, including Help for Hero’s, Back to the Beaches, Essex Air Ambulance and many more.
  
  
• All local and London borough Mayors are invited again this year, as last year we welcomed over 10 to our show.
  
  
• Essex Air Ambulance will be supporting our event throughout the weekend with a static helicopter display.
  
  
• This year is the 21st Anniversary of Essex branch of MVT and the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
  
  
• We are happy to arrange press/radio and TV interviews for more information, if you would like to attend over the weekend then we will happily arrange a special MEDIA pass for you which will give you access to restricted areas giving a unique opportunity.
  
  
• For more information, a media pack or to arrange an interview please contact Tracey Brew;  07903 104102 or tracey.brew@mvt-essex.org.uk or Colin Tebb; 01245 476249 or colin.tebb@mvt-essex.org.uk .
  
  
  

2009 Show report in Classic Military Vehicles October 2009

Here are some more photos taken at the 2009 show - click to enlarge

Below are thumbnails only of re-enactors portraits taken at the 2009 show by Pete Wilson

See his website

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