Armed Forces Day event at Maldon's Promenade Park a success

The Essex Historical Military Vehicle Association (HMVA), in conjunction with Maldon District Council, welcomed visitors down to the Promenade Park over the weekend for its latest Armed Forces Day event.

The Essex HMVA was formed in 2014 to ensure the preservation and education of military vehicles and equipment.

Event - Plenty of visitors came along to the Promenade Park (Image: John Guiver)

It is one of the fastest-growing military vehicle associations in the UK, with more than 250 members.

Stall - A 1942 troop carrier on display (Image: John Guiver)

The group typically holds a winter gathering earlier each year, which has been held since the 1980s and has attracted more than 1,000 enthusiasts in recent years.

Test drive - Visitors enjoyed seeing all the vehicles on display (Image: John Guiver)

Every June it holds an event to mark the annual Armed Forces Day.

The free event featured several displays from the Essex HMVA with members showing their beautifully restored vehicles as well as military equipment collections.

Variety - There were plenty of vehicles to look at (Image: John Guiver)

It also saw representatives from both Maldon’s district and town councils attending, as well as local cadets, members of the local Veterans Breakfast Clubs and the British Legion.

The charity was delighted with this year's event and its success.

Busy - The event was well-attended once again (Image: John Guiver)

In a statement on social media, a spokesman for the Essex HMVA said: "Thank you to all our members, trustees, volunteers, veterans and all those who came to support Armed Forces Day at Maldon Promenade Park.

Team - The 1207 Maldon Squadron at the event (Image: John Guiver)

"It was a great turnout and a lovely day had by all.

"Our next event is Echoes of History on August 10 and 11 at The Living Memorial operation sweet pea in Rettendon.

Trio - Veterans were more than welcome on the day (Image: John Guiver)

"Tickets are available via our website at eohs.co.uk."

Maldon itself has a long association with military history, dating as far back as the Battle of Maldon (991AD), which took place on the shores of the River Blackwater in Essex.

Historic - Restored vehicles were a highlight on the day (Image: John Guiver)

During the Second World War soldiers were stationed in the area to protect this part of the coast from invasion.

Some of the local boats were also used as part of Operation Dynamo, which evacuated the BEF from the beaches of Dunkirk.

Local tugs were used to assist in setting up the Mulberry Harbours for the D-Day landings in Normandy.