| Gary
Docherty reports on his first trip to Houffalize, in the Ardennes for
what has become an annual pilgrimage for some of our more hardy
members. “I travelled with Brian, his son Tom, and Simon whose Jeep
we used.
After unloading
alongside the impressive line up of MV’s at the hotel a quick town
tour took in the equally impressive knocked out Panther on display.
The main road run to Luxemburg gave us a chance to see the lines of
GMC’s, Dodges, and Jeeps whilst refueling.
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Elsewhere
I suspect most vehicles have not moved over the winter apart from the
Xmas run. I took my Bedford 30cwt into Halifax Piece Hall to help
raise funds for Poppy Day and I wonder if others in the region got
similarly involved?
Some 110 vehicles were
taking part! Moving on the route took in forest and fields with fog
hiding the higher ground. A museum stop and lunch came before the
route back via many steep valleys and small hamlets.
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the miles past daylight began to fade and the temperature dropped even
further, so we were very glad to start to warm up back at the hotel.
A trip to Bastogne to
see the Paratrooper’s monument was our last port of call before the
ferry and home. It was a great event and next year I hope to be there
in my jeep.”
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| The
“69th Field” group, our 25 pounder artillery gang, had their first
AGM in Leeds in January, and since have had a training day on gun
laying and firing drill in readiness for future blank firing at
events. The group now has 4 Quad, limber, and gun sets with a further
2 sets under restoration!! Two guns have now been converted to live
firing. A colour change is in the offing for Mike and Chris’s sets
from brown to Olive Drab as used from April 1944, so hopefully this
will encourage others in the area to join the Artillery and Polar
Bears.
The group is looking
for new members, particularly younger ones. Ivor’s son, Jim, has
recently joined and in March he went along with others for an
enjoyable weekend of training and firing activity with The Garrison at
Tilbury Fort.
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| I
was on hand to photograph the loading of Jeff’s immaculately
restored Scammell Pioneer prior to its’ long trip to a buyer in
Italy. Such a shame that yet another part of our heritage has gone
abroad, but this does seem to be an increasing trend. On a more
positive note a mobile 9 ton 3.7” anti aircraft gun, restored some
years ago, has arrived in the area and hopefully will be at some of
our events. |
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To
widen the appeal of our area report I would welcome contact with other
members across Yorkshire to report on their vehicles and activity. If
anyone is interested in a run out in the Halifax/ Huddersfield area
please let Brian or myself know. So please ring or e-mail me with news
for the Area Report for our Website. 01422 824418, michael.humphreys@btinternet.com
Mike Humphreys |
