Back with a bang!: Britain's Dig for Victory Show makes a welcome return

The French-built AMX-13 light tank, capable of speeds up to 37 mph, drove as good as it looked John Norris

Over the weekend of June 14-15 the 2025 Dig for Victory Show was held at the North Somerset Showground at Wraxall, nine miles west of Bristol city. Having been postponed in 2024 because of the 80th anniversary of D-Day, which many vehicle owners attended, the show returned with a new vitality. The re-enactor displays were fresh with some original and unique items being exhibited for the first time at the show. For example, one display exhibited a “swimmer’s suit” as worn by members of the Combined Operations Pilotage Parties who surveyed landing sites for amphibious landings. On another stand a rare Mk7 canoe used for similar roles was exhibited like a display at some large outdoor museum.

Traders were present offering a range of collectables from buttons and badges to complete uniforms. However, what people really wanted to see were the mobility displays by some of the more than 200 participating vehicles. The site has become the traditional home of the DFVS (www.digforvictoryshow.com), with its wide open, level field providing the perfect location where owners can show their vehicles in action. With nothing to hinder movement they were able to open the throttle to show what these vehicles, despite their advancing years, are still capable of achieving. It was all a thrilling display of speed and maneuverability.

The moment of firing a 3.7-inch anti-aircraft gun was loud and set the scene for the rest of the arena program at the 2025 Dig For Victory Show. John Norris

Spectators who made it to the show were rewarded with unusual displays, such as a Ward LaFrance M1A1 wrecker towing an M4 Sherman to demonstrate battlefield recovery. The Wrecker made easy work of pulling the 33 short tons, proving there was still a lot of life left in the 80-plus-year-old vehicle. There were other equally impressive displays as vehicles towed field guns and anti-tank guns around the field at great speed. A pair of German Kettenkrad half-tracks, one towing a rare trailer unit, kept pace with trucks and stood out with their unusual appearance.

The vehicles were mostly of WWII vintage, but some dated from the post-war period added to the excitement. One standout example was a French AMX-13 light tank dating from the 1950s that raced around the field, lapping some of the other vehicles in the process. The vehicles towing the artillery parked up to allow a firing display of anti-tank guns from the British 2-Pounder through to the 17-Pounder. There was truly superb handling of vehicles on display.

This year’s displays for the DFVS were fresh and a departure from previous years, something which keeps alive the spirit of this event and always leaves the public anticipating what will appear next year. With such forward planning it is now wonder why DFVS has risen to become one of the top five shows of its kind in the UK.

A Morris Quad towed a 25-Pounder field gun into the arena. John Norris

The German Kettenkrad is an unusual design and always manages to turn heads with its appearance. This driver gave a thrilling show of speed. John Norris

A GMC Le Roi compressor had been previously seen at the WARAG Show and was quickly becoming a familiar favorite with an appearance at the DFVS. John Norris

The Morris 10 Utility, or “Tilly”, was a lightweight vehicle used for deliveries and as liaison vehicles especially by the Home Guard units John Norris

This Light Artillery Tractor was normally used with the Bofors anti-aircraft gun, but is equally useful towing a 17-Pounder anti-tank gun John Norris

This La Ward France M1A1 ‘Wrecker’ recovering a tank to demonstrate the role for which it was intended. John Norris

A very rare item, this fully restored original Mk 7 canoe was used on special operations in the Far East from 1942. John Norris

This fine collection of items displayed the type of kit carried by GIs landing in Normandy on D-Day. John Norris

A French U23 — standing for 2.3 tons. The truck was produced for the German Army by Ciroen. This example is in the colors of the FFI after the Liberation of Paris. John Norris

The appearance of the Russian T-34 tank was a surprise for everybody. John Norris

Many different types of carriers followed the British Universal, or “Bren Carrier”, including this example from Australia that is part of the Shopland Collection. John Norris

The heavyweight Scammell “Pioneer” was a recovery truck vehicle and artillery tractor for the British Army in WWII and led to a post-war design,
the “Explorer’” which continued in service until the late 1980s. John Norris

This GMC truck is another perennial favorite wherever it turns up. John Norris

Another German Kettenkrad towing a very rare original trailer unit fully laden. John Norris

The Austin K5 with 6-Pounder anti-tank Portee mounted on the rear to provide a mobile firing platform. John Norris

The convoy line just kept rolling with owners enjoying themselves and visitors getting their money’s worth. John Norris

Owners driving their vehicles in a convoy made up of different types and were able to show a good turn of speed. John Norris

A Morris C8 truck towing a British-built 6-Pounder anti-tank gun — a version of which was later used by the U.S. Army as the 57mm M1 gun on the M1A3 carriage. John Norris

Dodge weapons carriers, like Jeeps, are wildly popular with owners in Britain, who like them for their versatility and reliability. John Norris

Jeeps of all types are favorites with owners and spectators alike. John Norris

There are those who consider the T-34 the best tank of WWII. That sentiment is debatable, but the T-34 is certainly popular with many vehicle enthusiasts. John Norris

Around 12,000 examples of the 2-Pounder anti-tank gun were built and this pairing with the Jeep as a towing vehicle made a nice combo to see in action. John Norris

Britain's Dig for Victory Show D-Day

John NorrisAuthor

Back with a bang!: Britain’s Dig for Victory Show makes a welcome return

Over the weekend of June 14-15 the 2025 Dig for Victory Show was held at the North Somerset Showground at Wraxall, nine miles west of Bristol city.

John Norris