Bringing out the Big Guns!: Britain's Dig For Victory Show

BG 9) The Garrison Artillery Volunteers bringing a 3.7-inch anti-aircraft gun into action. These guns provided air defense across Britain during the Blitz and also other theaters of operation being towed by the Matador truck. Courtesy of John Norris

Most people who have visited a historical military show, complete with displays by vehicles and reenactment groups, will probably tell you that when they left the event they took away with them some great memories. Those who have visited lots of these shows they will tell you the effect is always the same, no matter how many shows you visit. The memories include sights and sounds never before seen in person; perhaps on a cinema screen, but not live in front of our eyes. Explosions and engines roaring as vehicles speed across fields provides a full-on sensory experience.

The 2026 Dig for Victory Show (DFVS) held over the weekend of June 13-14 at the North Somerset Showground at Wraxall in Somerset gave visitors such thrills aplenty. As usual, the action included gun firing displays with several types of artillery used during WWII. Anti-aircraft guns, anti-tank guns and field guns were all included to show what the big stuff is all about. Naturally, there were also displays of speed and mobility by a range of vehicles, and the reenactment displays invited visitors to stop and ask questions or just have a chat.

A Jeep was used to tow the British 2-Pounder anti-tank gun. The gun was capable at the start of the war, but was quickly left behind in the gun vs. armor race. Courtesy of John Norris

Shows like the DFVS are really “three-in-one” events, with traders providing something for militaria collectors, reenactors and vehicle enthusiasts. Sure, among the visiting public there will also be those with a general interest along with military modelers who take lots and lots of photographs. They may eventually join the ranks of vehicle owners and even become re-enactors themselves. Who can say? And if they do, they will be keeping the interest alive and well.

The list of daily events at the Dig For Victory Show included specialist talks on a range of subjects, indoor displays, and an arena buzzing with vehicles. When it was time for the big guns to take center stage, each type being was towed around the arena like some lap of honor, to give visitors a good look. These guns had been on a static lineup before their firing displays, where they could be seen close-up. But there is nothing like seeing them in action.

The combination of the AEC “Matador” towing a 4.5-inch field gun was as it would have been during the war, but other vehicles were not necessarily towing the type of gun they would have pulled during the war. This was just for effect, using what was available, but it still gave a very good impression of things.

No big military show would be complete without a Sherman, and this example, which had at one time been used as a range target, was among the stars of the Dig For Victory Show in Somerset, England. Courtesy of John Norris

The 4.5-inch and 25-Pounder field guns were demonstrated with a commentary explaining how and where they were used during the war, which included all theaters of operation from Europe to the Middle East and North Africa. The anti-tank gun lineup included the 2-Pounder, 40mm, which at the start of the war was a good gun — not brilliant, but adequate for the time. Versions of this weapon were used in British tanks, such as the Matilda II, Cruiser and Valentine. As German tanks increased their armored protection, bigger and more powerful anti-tank guns were developed. First there was the 6-Pounder in 1942, followed by the 17-Pounder in 1943. Both these types were also mounted in tanks.

Anti-aircraft guns were not to be forgotten, and 40mm Bofors guns were on display, but it was the heavy 3.7-inch guns, three of which were present, that really made a big impression. Each of the guns were expertly handled by a group of enthusiasts called the Garrison Artillery Volunteers (www.thegarrison.website). Formed more 30 years, the group specializes in presenting historical gun firing displays, including WWI guns. At the DFVS, the men were joined by some ladies from the group who depict the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), serving the Predictor device to bring the guns onto the target. Together they gave a comprehensive display of anti-aircraft gunnery in WWII.

As always, there were more vehicles on site than there were heavy guns, but although out-numbered, the guns were impressive and loud. The quiet periods in between the arena displays gave spectators the opportunity to wander around the grounds looking at the static displays put on by the various reenactment groups. There were the usual airborne forces, both British and American, along with medics and engineers.

Simply scanning the skies with binoculars could sometimes reveal enemy aircraft that had slipped under the radar. Courtesy of John Norris

The Garrison Artillery Volunteers brought a 3.7-inch anti-aircraft gun into action. These guns provided air defense across Britain during The Blitz and also other theaters of operation while being towed by Matador trucks. Courtesy of John Norris

This year, the most unusual unit was the little-known civilian organization known as the “Air Transport Auxiliary” (ATA), which existed from February 1940 until November 1945. The role of the ATA was to fly replacement aircraft from the factory to the airfields. To complete this task the unit had 1,152 male pilots and 168 female pilots, supported by more than 3,000 ground staff. The unit “clocked up” 415,000 flying hours to deliver 309,000 aircraft of 147 types, from Hurricanes and Spitfires to Lancaster bombers and even B-17 Flying Fortresses. Also on display was an “Autobyk” Villier Junior from 1941, which was fitted with a 2-stroke engine and could achieve 25 mph with very little gasoline consumption. The powered bike allowed pilots to ride between sites, which one member of the group displayed in the arena.

The DFVS has always enjoyed strong attendance, with displays seeming to grow bigger and better each year. It is an unusual show with lots of fascinating displays featuring local agriculture equipment, Home Front groups, and of course, the heavier and bigger stuff. This year’s display by the big guns was brilliant and hopefully will attract more to come in the future. To keep up to date with developments, military enthusiasts can follow the show on Facebook or the official website: www.digforvictoryshow.com.

Looking similar to the larger 5.5-inch field gun, this 4.5-inch field gun is recognizable by the barrel design which tapers slightly towards the muzzle. It was capable of firing a 55-pound shell out to a range of 11.5 miles in support of an attack. Courtesy of John Norris

Members of the GAV demonstrated how to load a shell into the breech of the 3.7-inch gun. Courtesy of John Norris

Two ATS re-enactors operating the predictor unit to help aim the 3.7-inch gun by giving important data about target position and height. Courtesy of John Norris

Broken down vehicles need to be recovered and this Ward La France wrecker would have been the ideal truck for the job with its re-mounted crane boom. Courtesy of John Norris

The smallest motorbike at the show was this 1941 Autobyk with a Villier Junior 2-stroke engine ridden by a member of the ATA, whose display was something new at the show. Courtesy of John Norris

This Allis-Chalmers tractor could be used on air bases, naval dockyards or beach landing areas to move supplies or tow trucks. Courtesy of John Norris

The low silhouette of the 2-Pounder was an advantage when deployed to engage tanks. A version of the gun was fitted to British tanks in 1940. Courtesy of John Norris

A nice depiction of a Red Cross volunteer who would have been a welcome site to troops with her coffee and donuts. Courtesy of John Norris

Weighing in excess of 2 tons, the 17-Pounder could engage targets out to a range of 1 mile and, depending on the type of ammunition, penetrate over 150mm of armor at 1,100 yards. Courtesy of John Norris

“Portee” trucks transported the 6-Pounder anti-tank gun over rough terrain in North Africa to prevent wear and tear on the carriage. The gun could be fired from the back of the truck without being dismounted. Courtesy of John Norris

A re-enactor depicting an officer relaxes as he waits for his Jeep driver. Courtesy of John Norris

A 6-Pounder anti-tank gun was towed by a Bedford MWD series truck. An American-produced version, known as the 57mm M1, was used by U.S. troops. Courtesy of John Norris

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