A tracked Gulf War Veteran from The Tank Museum will be taking part in the Weymouth Veterans Festival military vehicle parade on Sunday.

The 60 ton Challenger tank which took part in the 1991 Gulf War will take part in Sunday’s procession of historic military vehicles from Lodmoor to Weymouth Pavilion, where it will remain on display for the rest of the day.

Tank Museum Spokesman Nik Wyness said; “We have taken part in the annual Veterans Festival for some years, with various historic vehicles but this year we have chosen a vehicle that is more reminiscent of current conflicts."

"A lot of the historic vehicles you will see at the festival have distinct World War Two connections, and whilst it is terrific to see so many of these vehicles in the parade we want to remind people that Veterans issues, which this festival promotes, are not purely confined to conflicts in the distant past – but recent and present conflicts too."

"For us, this tank is attending to represent the servicemen of present and recent conflicts. Although the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are frequently seen in news and are not necessarily 'popular' wars, the country owes it to our service men and women to ensure what they are doing and what they are experiencing is recognised. We as a nation need to remember that many of these young people are coming back affected physically and emotionally; they deserve our respect and some need our help."

In the first Gulf War, The Challenger 1 was commanded by Lt/Col.(now Major General) Arthur Denaro, and crewed by Cpl. (now Captain) John Nutt, L/Cpl. Gerry McKenna, and Tpr Lee Hawkes of the Queens Royal Irish Hussars. Lt/Col Denario led around 60 tanks into battle in February 1991, crossing the Iraqi border on 25th February, and halting an enemy counter attack in the early hours of the 26th.

The tank can usually be found on display at the museum, and will be part of displays at Tankfest (28th – 29th June) which will also feature British Army vehicles in use on operations today. For more information, call 01929 405096.

The Challenger tank taking part in the 2004 Lord Majors Show with its original crew.
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The same Challenger 1 during Operation Desert Storm.
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