The sights, sounds and even vibrations of wartime Britain will return to Dorchester on 20th June when one of the country’s best-known military vehicle convoys rolls into town.
The Armour & Embarkation convoy, which recreates the movement of Allied vehicles in the build-up to D-Day, will arrive at Brewery Square as part of a day-long programme celebrating Dorset’s wartime heritage.
visitors, the highlight will be the opportunity to see historic military vehicles operating in public rather than displayed behind museum barriers. The convoy features around 100 authentic World War II vehicles, ranging from Sherman tanks and half-tracks to artillery, trucks, and vintage jeeps. Visitors will be able to get close to the vehicles, speak to their owners and learn more about the role they played during the war.
The event has become a popular fixture in the county’s commemorative calendar, drawing large crowds wherever it appears. Previous visits have seen spectators lining the streets to watch the convoy arrive, with the rumble of engines and clatter of tracks creating an atmosphere unlike any conventional vehicle show.
Activities will begin from 11am, when members of the Military Vehicle Trust will display a selection of restored wartime vehicles. Throughout the day, enthusiasts will be available to answer questions and share the stories behind the machines, many of which have been painstakingly preserved and restored.
The main convoy is expected to arrive from 3.30pm. Weymouth Avenue will host the larger military vehicles, while lighter transport and motorcycles will be displayed around Brewery Square and Dray Horse Yard. Alongside the military displays, visitors can enjoy a programme of 1940s-themed entertainment, including live music from vocal harmony group The Decadettes. Younger visitors will be able to take part in free activities including peg doll and model aircraft making.
While the event offers a family-friendly day out, it also serves as a reminder of Dorset’s important role in preparations for the Normandy landings. Eighty-two years after D-Day, the arrival of these historic vehicles provides a tangible connection to the men and machines that helped shape the course of the war.
The Armour & Embarkation convoy event takes place at Brewery Square, Dorchester, from 11am to 5.30pm on Saturday 20th June. Admission is free.
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