Historic military vehicles on show near Clifford’s Tower

More than 60 vehicles, ranging from the Second World War to the Cold War-era, were expected on Sunday morning (April 12).

Spectators waved as the vehicles drove past Clifford’s Tower and parked on the Eye of York.

The showcase was organised by the Military Vehicle Trust, a national charity dedicated to “keeping our mechanical veterans alive”.

Brian Slingsby, the charity’s secretary for the Yorkshire area, said all the vehicles are privately owned by enthusiasts.

MVT Yorkshire area secretary Brian Slingsby, left, during the ‘crank up’ in York on Sunday (April 12) (Image: Dylan Connell)

The charity has been hosting its first event of the year, called the “crank up”, at the Eye of York for more than 30 years.

“It’s a great setting because there’s a lot of history here,” said Brian, speaking to The Press in front of Clifford’s Tower.

Brian brought his Second World War-era Willys Jeep to the crank up and said there continues to be a lot of interest in the vehicles from members of the public in York.

“They are all big parts of our history and our heritage, so they need preserving,” he said of the historic vehicles.

Military vehicles at the Eye of York during the MVT ‘crank up’ on Sunday (April 12) (Image: Dylan Connell)

“I think people need reminding about what we did … It’s real history – all of these vehicles were in the Second World War. That’s a long time ago, but it’s not that long ago.

“[The Second World War] had a big influence on us, which is why we like it. It’s what got me into it in the first place.

“I’m really interested in the Second World War and the effect it’s had on us because that’s shaped the world we live in today.

“Everything that’s happening today is a consequence of what went on then.”

Josh Turner and Dave Bland with their 1942 Willys Jeep in York on Sunday (April 12) (Image: Dylan Connell)

Josh Turner and his stepfather, Dave Bland, brought the 1942 Willys Jeep they have owned for four years.

The model was used heavily during the Second World War and the pair’s version has been fitted with a gas fire gun on top for “theatrical effect”, according to Josh. “It’s a loud bit of kit.”

“If we did it here, we’d get the police!” added Dave.

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Dave said he purchased the Jeep to one day hand down to Josh’s son.

“I’ve given some inheritance to my grandson – but I’m playing with it first!” Dave said.

Josh, from Kexby, said he was drawn to the vehicles to “keep the history alive”.

He said they had become friends with other enthusiasts and travelled around the country with them.

“I’ve got two young kids – they’re well into it; they love the camping and everything,” he added.