Double the Fun! White Horse Show 2024

A pair of Coldstream Guards, armed with replica “Brown Bess” muskets, were clearly enjoying themselves as they depicted the War of 1812 in America at the White Horse Military Show Aug. 17-18 in Wiltshire, England. John Norris

When military vehicle owners and re-enactors get together to display their respective interests at a show, the result is usually a memorable experience for the visiting public. That is precisely what happened at the 2024 White Horse Military Show (WHMS) multi-period event. The show was first held in in 2022 to great acclaim, but due to severe inclement weather it was cancelled in 2023.

This year’s show was held over the weekend of August 17-18 in a 30-acre field near Melksham in Wiltshire, South England. With 40 groups spanning 200 years of history from Napoleonic War to the “Cold War”, supported by lines of vehicles from motorcycles to heavyweight trucks and artillery, it was bigger and more interactive than the first show.

Organizer Richard Dalton, who works in the film industry and is a keen military enthusiast, together with a team of volunteers erected a series of facades to resemble buildings such as burnt-out farmhouses in WWII and even a typical household to depict Britain’s “Home Front”. Visitors could also walk into a WWI trench, recreated above ground, but still immersive with attention to detail. Participating groups also put up their own tents in keeping with the period they were depicting, such as the War of 1812 in America, which allowed them to present a table-top exhibition of items, including medical equipment and various types of ammunition. The show is still developing its own style, but already is proving to be successful and has garnered a following on its Facebook page with many positive comments.

This M14 with Quad .50-cal. machine guns, would have supported the British 6th Armed Division, whose badge is displayed on the gun shield. The vehicle was a museum display in itself with all the items draped across it from helmets to ammunition boxes. John Norris

The re-enactors and living history camps were laid out in a time line which continued up to the period of the Vietnam War, with displays of items and equipment collected by members of the groups. Some of the vehicles were draped with item. Visitors were allowed to handle some items, but U.K. laws covering firearms are strict. Nevertheless, everyone seemed to enjoy the experience of being so close and personal with historic items. Most of the vehicles were lined up on static displays with the doors open to allow the interiors to be viewed.

Being parked allowed closer inspection by visitors and with owners on site there were many conversations with enthusiasts. Mary Roberts was present with her Morris Commercial CS11/30F ambulance before getting ready to leave for Holland, where she planned to join 600 other vehicles in a huge convoy to mark the 80th anniversary of Operation Market Garden. The driver’s cab of the huge Leyland “Hippo” with its 10-long ton capability, was open for visitors to investigate and get a feel of the rare vehicle, of which only 1,000 were produced.

Collectively, the experience was unforgettable for visitors, some of whom left with souvenirs from one of the trade stands selling militaria collectibles. Already plans are underway for next year’s show, which has been scheduled for three days, August 15-17, following the success of this year’s show. The organizer set up a Facebook page along with the website where followers can keep up to date on developments which can be found: www.whms.org.uk.

Frontier settlers in 19th century America were looking just like the photographs of the period. John Norris

The Home Guard is a popular subject to depict, including demonstrating replica items such as this Blacker “Bombard” for use against vehicles and buildings. John Norris

A very nicely turned-out M9 armed with .30- and .50-cal. machine guns, showing it in service with the British 11th Armored Division, which served across Europe from Normandy to Arnhem and beyond. John Norris

This Leyland “Hippo” was one of the heavyweight trucks on display. Visitors could inspect the truck and climb into the driver’s cab. John Norris

A fully operational demonstration of radio equipment by the Royal Signals Amateur Radio Society was the tallest exhibit on site. John Norris

A static lineup of vehicles included a Russian GAZ/UAZ 69A from the 1970s, along with a Bedford MW Series and an AEC Matador. John Norris

A beautifully restored 3-ton Austin K3 truck dated from 1939. Almost 17,000 of these were built between 1939 and 1945 and were important as transport vehicles for British troops and supplies. John Norris

The AEC Matador was a FAT, Field Artillery Tractor, used to tow the 5.5-inch field gun as seen here. This vehicle travels to many shows in the U.K. John Norris

A couple of good old boys from the the 19th century American frontier took a break from “buffalo” hunter duties John Norris

A grapeshot charge showed what was used against infantry during the Napoleonic Wars and later periods. John Norris

A nice display of period firearms using replica and live firing weapons. Strict firearms laws in the U.K. meant they can be looked at but not handled by the public. John Norris