Tracks, Heat and Dust at War and Peace Revival

The Scammell Pioneer, one of the guest vehicles on the stand.
(SHAUN KETTERINGHAM)

FOR THOSE who endured the consistent 30-plus degree heat and unrelenting sunshine, there was a summer spectacle to be enjoyed at this year’s War and Peace Revival, held near Paddock Wood, Kent in July.

Among the sights were Adrian Scott’s American-marked Super Sherman, Jon Phillip’s beautifully restored Marder III tank destroyer and Stug III assault gun, and a G13 tank destroyer – a post-war Swiss-built version of the infamous Jagdpanzer 38 (commonly known as the Hetzer). These were just some of the hundreds of military vehicles on static and arena displays, ranging from First World War lorries to the Challenger I main battle tank.

As always, dozens of living history displays, each a painstaking reproduction of a select period of 20th century conflict history, gave the show a unique feel. As did the hundreds of traders selling various wares from cannon and a £35,000 deactivated example of an FG42 assault rifle to MOD surplus vehicles and pin badges.

Visitors to the Britain at War stand were also in for a treat, with guest vehicles and authors providing interaction and photo opportunities. We thank Mark Barnes and Craig Moore (the authors of The Liberation of Europe 1944-1945 and Tank Hunter: World War One respectively) for taking the time to talk about their books on our stand. We are grateful to the vehicle owners who allowed us to display their Chevrolet dump truck, Dodge M37, and Scammell Pioneer at the stand throughout the week.