Armed Forces Day: Convoy of military vehicles leaves Basingstoke

The convoy, which included a range of military vehicles including two war-time fire engines and had been organised by the volunteer team at Commemorative Convoys, was also marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

It was also joined by more than 50 motorbike riders from Royal British Legions' Rider's Branch. 

Hundreds of people turned out to line the streets to support the event, which also raised money for the Royal British Legion. 

SEE ALSO: Firefighters visit family fun day at Basingstoke nursery 

Military convoy (Image: Sean Dillow)

Spokesperson John Lete said: "We have done convoys before but this was the most overwhelming experience we have ever had in terms of the number of people who turned out.

"On the route from Basingstoke to Kingsclere there was a tremendous number of people lining the streets. In Kingsclere it was like the whole village had turned out. The church bells were ringing, it was lovely.

"When we went past Cheam School in Headley all the children came out to see us. Even the biggest truck drivers were tearful at the sight of 100 boarders lining the fence and cheering us on. We had never seen anything like it." 

The convoy left from Milestones Museum in Basingstoke, travelling via Kingsclere, Greenham Business Park and Newbury Town centre to Hungerford. 

John thanked Hampshire Constabulary for escorting them and also Milestones Museum for arranging such a good send off. 

The Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Cllr Dan Putty and Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire The Hon Hugo Cubitt DL were also at the event showing their support. 

The crowds came out to watch the convoy (Image: Sean Dillow)

Veterans from the Northern Ireland and Falklands conflicts were also included. 

This is not the first convoy that Commemorative Convoys has organised, with previous ones taking place in 2019, 2022 and 2023 - however, it was the largest and most successful. 

John said: "We really wanted to recognise Armed Forces Day but we also wanted to salute the fallen of Operation Overlord. We wanted to recognise all those who lost their lives in the D-Day operations." 

He said they were considering arranging another convoy for next year, riding on this year's success. 

He also thanked the people of north Hampshire and West Berkshire for their support, Milestones Museum, Hampshire Highways, Kingsclere Parish Council, Greenham Trust Newbury Town Council, Newbury BID, West Berkshire Council and Hungerford Town Council. 

Gazette photographer Sean Dillow was at the event, click the top images to scroll through his pictures.