TANKFEST Programme

Anti-tank Re-enactment

The US 29th Infantry Division take on an armoured vehicle in an explosive display.

Featuring: Jagdpanzer G13 Hetzer.

Fire! Classic Firearms Blank Firing

Weapons experts demonstrate the differences between some of the more famous infantry weapons of World War Two.

Tank Chats Live: Armour and Embarkation

Hear about the vehicles that travelled through Dorset on their way to D-Day.

Featuring: Willys Jeep, Morris Armoured Car, Daimler Dingo, Ford Lynx, Daimler Armoured Car, M8 Greyhound, Pacific M26 ‘Dragon Wagon’, and M16 Half-Track.

Tank Chats Live: WW2 Armour

Learn about a range of WW2 Allied and Axis tanks, including some of our guest armour.

Featuring: Type 95 Ha-Go, Stuart M3, Valentine DD, Churchill Mark III, M18 Hellcat, T-34/85, Chaffee, and Comet.

Tank Chats Live: The Sherman Story

The development of the most famous American tank of WW2.

Featuring: Sherman M4A1, Sherman M4A2, Sherman M4A4, Sherman M50, and Sherman M51 (Super Sherman). 

Parachute Jump

The afternoon displays will be opened by the Army Parachute Display Team, the Lightning Bolts.

Tank Chats Live: Cold War

Warsaw Pact vs NATO

Featuring: AMX-13, Centurion Mark 7 (Swiss), Panzer 61, Leopard 1 23C, Type 59, M60, Chieftain Mark 10, T-72, and Challenger 1.  

Tank Chats Live: Armoured Cars & Personnel Carriers

A variety of vehicles supporting tanks in combat.

Featuring: Panhard AML-90, Daimler Ferret, Cougar, Bulldog, Warrior, Buffel, and Warthog. 

Tank Chats Live: British Army Vehicles

Learn about the current RAC vehicles and see them in action.

Featuring: Challenger 2, Warrior 510, Titan, Jackal 2, CRARRV, Foxhound, CVRT Scimitar, and Titan.

History Hit Film – James Holland

Video presented by James Holland exploring the German World War Two Jagdpanther.

Transitioning out of the RTR – Rich Jones

Rich’s open and honest talk about his transition from The Royal Tank Regiment, into organised crime, resulting in a 15 year prison sentence. He’s shining a light on the difficulties some veterans face once out of the forces, using his experience to  raise awareness of the problems some might face during that transition. Rich is now the creator of Project TLS, a veteran support programme and author of “Charlie Four Kilo”. He’s sharing his story in the hope that others won’t make the same mistakes.

Action Vehicles in Hollywood Movies – Nico Ferrari

Years of experience designing, building, buying and sourcing vehicles for major blockbuster productions such as Fast & Furious, The Batman & BARBIE. A presentation on how vehicles are decided for films, how they’re built, bought or sourced and how they fit into the production of major films. This will include costs involved breaking down large chase scenes, timelines in the prep time and shoot time for recognisable vehicle scenes I have been involved with.

Tank Tactics in 1916 – Stephen Pope

Retired British Army officer, military historian and author, Stephen Pope is acknowledged as the world expert on the Battle of Flers Courcelette in which tanks were used for the first time during the Battle of the Somme in September 1916. While researching for his book on the history of the Tank Corps, Stephen Pope identified that nothing on the tactics of tank crews in 1916 had ever been publicised.

The Battle of Berlin – Jesse Alexander

The Battle of Berlin was a climactic moment in the history of the Second World War, and one that is steeped in myth and symbolism. Jesse Alexander recounts how the Red Army captured the capital of the Third Reich, how the Nazi regime attempted its last stand, and the stories of those caught in the crossfire. The talk is based on the documentary and book 16 Days in Berlin by Real Time History.

The Mellor Sisters

Relax and enjoy the sound of 1940s band, The Mellor Sisters.

Capture of Tiger 131 – Bruce Oliver Newsome, Ph.D

The first Tiger captured in the West: The story of how Tiger 131 was knocked out and captured in Tunisia, three months before the Tank Museum’s Tiger 131. Now the story can be told with a rediscovered account by the Canadian Captain who commanded the British company that was first to be attacked by Tigers that day.

WW2 Tank Restorations and Militaria Collecting – Bruce Crompton

Bruce Crompton a well-known for starring in from TV show Combat Dealers. With a passion for all things military, including restoring tanks. Bruce has extensive knowledge on collecting militaria and his tank collection exceeds 50 tanks.

Action Vehicles in Hollywood Movies – Nico Ferrari

Years of experience designing, building, buying and sourcing vehicles for major blockbuster productions such as Fast & Furious, The Batman & BARBIE. A presentation on how vehicles are decided for films, how they’re built, bought or sourced and how they fit into the production of major films. This will include costs involved breaking down large chase scenes, timelines in the prep time and shoot time for recognisable vehicle scenes I have been involved with.

East Dorset and the Secret War – Ed Perkins

Hear about spies and alleged enemy agents with links to East Dorset and the surrounding area at the time of the Second World War and after.

Tank Park

Get closer to the stars of the show and their crews.

Army Zone

See the current vehicles serving in the Royal Armoured Corps.

Size Matters, CVRT Scimitar 2 | Lieutenant Colonel MW Whitchurch MBE

Lt-Col Whitchurch, who completed 44 years’ service with the Royal Engineers, makes the case for the small AFV in future wars.

D-Day on Omaha | US 29^th Infantry Division

A regiment of the 29^th Infantry Division landed in the first wave on D-day. Hear their story, illustrated by the kit they carried into action.

Parade & Punishment | US 29^th Infantry Division

The troops from this wartime US infantry regiment form up for inspection, with the NCOs and Officer looking for any excuse to meet out some parade ground punishments.

Drill Demonstration | Dorset ACF

See the Dorset Army Cadet Force demonstrating their honed drill skills.

The Mellor Sisters

The UK’s Top Vintage Duo, as seen on ITV’s ‘Good Morning Britain’! Former West End performers, these (real life!) Sisters bring you the ultimate vintage experience.

Panzerfaust | Stuart Wheeler, Tank Museum Historian

Stuart Wheeler continues his anti-tank chats in person with his talk on the German WWII anti-tank weapon, the Panzerfaust.

Drill Demonstration | Dorset ACF

See the Dorset Army Cadet Force demonstrating their honed drill skills.

Size Matters, Alvis Saladin | Lieutenant Colonel MW Whitchurch MBE

Lt-Col Whitchurch, who completed 44 years’ service with the Royal Engineers, makes the case for the small AFV in future wars.

A Wartime Welcome to Britain | US 29^th Infantry Division

Listen in on a standard training session given to young US troops who found themselves adapting to the many complexities of life in Britain whilst they prepared for D-Day…. Warm beer!?

History Hit Film – James Holland

Video presented by James Holland exploring the World War Two Sherman.

The Gulf War – Lt Col Tim Purbrick

Desert Storm Tank Commander. Tim Purbrick was a 17th/21st Lancers Tank Troop Commander attached with his Troop of Lancers to D Squadron of The Queen’s Royal Irish Hussars Battlegroup for OPERATION GRANBY, the UK contribution to the Coalition of Armed Forces which liberated Kuwait in 1991. This presentation is about his experience of the Gulf War as a Tank Commander.

D-Day 6 June 1944: How science, technology and engineering made it possible – Jonathan Falconer

D-Day was the first large-scale invasion in history where science, technology and innovation played a truly major part in its realisation. Jonathan Falconer, author of the D-Day Operations Manual, describes some of the meticulous planning that went on behind the scenes that made Operation Overlord possible.

The Impossible Cross: Why is the Victoria Cross so difficult to win? – Richard (Dick) Taylor BA (Hons) MPhil MA

For tank aficionados, Dick Taylor will be a familiar name. A prolific writer of military history books, Taylor served with 3RTR and 2RTR and, as well as being a tank commander, was a specialist in tank gunnery.

WW2 Tank Restorations and Militaria Collecting – Bruce Crompton

Bruce Crompton a well-known for starring in from TV show Combat Dealers. With a passion for all things military, including restoring tanks. Bruce has extensive knowledge on collecting militaria and his tank collection exceeds 50 tanks.

History Hit Film – James Holland

Video presented by James Holland exploring the German World War Two Jagdpanther.

History Hit Film – James Holland

Video presented by James Holland exploring the World War Two Cromwell.

The Gulf War – Lt Col Tim Purbrick

Desert Storm Tank Commander. Tim Purbrick was a 17th/21st Lancers Tank Troop Commander attached with his Troop of Lancers to D Squadron of The Queen’s Royal Irish Hussars Battlegroup for OPERATION GRANBY, the UK contribution to the Coalition of Armed Forces which liberated Kuwait in 1991. This presentation is about his experience of the Gulf War as a Tank Commander.

Action Vehicles in Hollywood Movies – Nico Ferrari

Years of experience designing, building, buying and sourcing vehicles for major blockbuster productions such as Fast & Furious, The Batman & BARBIE. A presentation on how vehicles are decided for films, how they’re built, bought or sourced and how they fit into the production of major films. This will include costs involved breaking down large chase scenes, timelines in the prep time and shoot time for recognisable vehicle scenes I have been involved with.

More Sinned Against – Richard (Dick) Taylor BA (Hons) MPhil MA

Despite being one of the most well-known British military figures of WW2, Field Marshal Montgomery has had his incredible achievements both tainted and diminished by a number of badly informed and in some cases vindictive post-war authors who deliberately set out to discredit him. A self-proclaimed Monty fan, Dick Taylor aims to set the record straight.

Capture of Tiger 131 – Bruce Oliver Newsome, Ph.D

The first Tiger captured in the West: The story of how Tiger 131 was knocked out and captured in Tunisia, three months before the Tank Museum’s Tiger 131. Now the story can be told with a rediscovered account by the Canadian Captain who commanded the British company that was first to be attacked by Tigers that day.

Tank Park

Get closer to the stars of the show and their crews.

Army Zone

See the current vehicles serving in the Royal Armoured Corps.

Tank Museum Curator David Willey

Bruce Crompton (Combat Dealers)

QuickyBaby

Squire, Iron Armenian & The Operations Room

Jonathon Falconer & Stephen Pope (includes Book Signing)

World War Two Re-enactment Battle

An explosive World War Two themed re-enactment; with Axis and Allied forces squaring off.

Featuring: Jagdpanzer G13 Hetzer, Sherman M4A1, Sherman M4A4, replica Sd.Kfz. 222, replica Sd.Kfz. 251, Kübelwagen, Chaffee, M8 Greyhound, Pak 38, and more. 

Invasion vehicles

The British and US vehicles of D-Day.

Featuring: M16 half-track, Sherman M4A1, Morris Armoured Car, M8 Greyhound, Daimler Armoured Car, Willys Jeep, Pacific M26 ‘Dragon Wagon’, and Ford Lynx. 

World War Two Armour

Axis & Allied tanks roar round the arena.

Featuring: T-34/85, Panzer III, Jagdpanzer G13 Hetzer, Type 95 Ha-Go, Stuart M3, Valentine DD, Matilda II, Churchill Mark III, Sherman M4A4, Chaffee, and Comet.

The Sherman Story

The development of the most famous American tank of WW2.

Featuring: Sherman M4A1, Sherman M4A2, Sherman M4A4, and Sherman M51 (Super Sherman). 

Cold War Armour

Warsaw Pact Vs NATO.

Featuring: AMX-13, Swiss Centurion Mark 7, Panzer 61, Leopard 1, Type 59, M60, Chieftain Mark 10, T-72, and Challenger 1. 

Armoured Cars & Personnel Carriers

A variety of vehicles supporting tanks in combat.

Featuring: Panhard AML-90, Daimler Ferret, Cougar, Bulldog, Warrior, Buffel, and Warthog. 

British Army Combat Demonstration & Battle

A demonstration of firepower and manoeuvre from the Royal Armoured Corps.

Featuring: Challenger 2, Warrior 510, Titan, Jackal 2, CRARRV, Foxhound, CVRT Scimitar, and Titan. 

Size Matters, CVRT Scimitar 2 | Lieutenant Colonel MW Whitchurch MBE

Lt-Col Whitchurch, who completed 44 years’ service with the Royal Engineers, makes the case for the small AFV in future wars.

D-Day on Omaha | US 29^th Infantry Division

A regiment of the 29^th Infantry Division landed in the first wave on D-day. Hear their story, illustrated by the kit they carried into action.

Parade & Punishment | US 29^th Infantry Division

The troops from this wartime US infantry regiment form up for inspection, with the NCOs and Officer looking for any excuse to meet out some parade ground punishments.

Drill Demonstration | Dorset ACF

See the Dorset Army Cadet Force demonstrating their honed drill skills.

The Mellor Sisters

The UK’s Top Vintage Duo, as seen on ITV’s ‘Good Morning Britain’! Former West End performers, these (real life!) Sisters bring you the ultimate vintage experience.

Panzerfaust | Stuart Wheeler, Tank Museum Historian

Stuart Wheeler continues his anti-tank chats in person with his talk on the German WWII anti-tank weapon, the Panzerfaust.

Drill Demonstration | Dorset ACF

See the Dorset Army Cadet Force demonstrating their honed drill skills.

Size Matters, Alvis Saladin | Lieutenant Colonel MW Whitchurch MBE

Lt-Col Whitchurch, who completed 44 years’ service with the Royal Engineers, makes the case for the small AFV in future wars.

A Wartime Welcome to Britain | US 29^th Infantry Division

Listen in on a standard training session given to young US troops who found themselves adapting to the many complexities of life in Britain whilst they prepared for D-Day…. Warm beer!?

History Hit Film – James Holland

Video presented by James Holland exploring the World War Two Cromwell tank.

The Machine Gun Corps and its Legacy – Rich Fisher

The Tank Corps was formed from the Heavy Branch of the Machine Gun Corps and whilst the Tank Corps survived the post-war draw down of the British Army, the MGC did not and its machine guns were returned to the infantry and cavalry regiments. This talk discusses the development of the MGC and machine gunnery during the Great War and those principles that continued.

Capture of Tiger 131 – Bruce Oliver Newsome, Ph.D

The first Tiger captured in the West: The story of how Tiger 131 was knocked out and captured in Tunisia, three months before the Tank Museum’s Tiger 131. Now the story can be told with a rediscovered account by the Canadian Captain who commanded the British company that was first to be attacked by Tigers that day.

The Dominican Civil War in 1965 – Lance Geiger (The History Guy)

Lance Geiger is “The History Guy” on YouTube, where he tells forgotten stories of ancient and modern events “that deserve to be remembered.” His topics range from aviation history to forgotten battles, historical figures, and more from around the world. His award-winning channel has garnered more than 164 million views and one million subscribers.

The Battle of Berlin – Jesse Alexander

The Battle of Berlin was a climactic moment in the history of the Second World War, and one that is steeped in myth and symbolism. Jesse Alexander recounts how the Red Army captured the capital of the Third Reich, how the Nazi regime attempted its last stand, and the stories of those caught in the crossfire. The talk is based on the documentary and book 16 Days in Berlin by Real Time History.

History Hit Film – James Holland

Video presented by James Holland exploring the World War Two Sherman.

History Hit Film – James Holland

Video presented by James Holland exploring the German World War Two Jagdpanther.

Transitioning out of the RTR – Rich Jones

Rich’s open and honest talk about his transition from The Royal Tank Regiment, into organised crime, resulting in a 15 year prison sentence. He’s shining a light on the difficulties some veterans face once out of the forces, using his experience to  raise awareness of the problems some might face during that transition. Rich is now the creator of Project TLS, a veteran support programme and author of “Charlie Four Kilo”. He’s sharing his story in the hope that others won’t make the same mistakes.

The Machine Gun Corps and its Legacy – Rich Fisher

The Tank Corps was formed from the Heavy Branch of the Machine Gun Corps and whilst the Tank Corps survived the post-war draw down of the British Army, the MGC did not and its machine guns were returned to the infantry and cavalry regiments. This talk discusses the development of the MGC and machine gunnery during the Great War and those principles that continued.

East Dorset and the Secret War – Ed Perkins

Hear about spies and alleged enemy agents with links to East Dorset and the surrounding area at the time of the Second World War and after.

The Dominican Civil War in 1965 – Lance Geiger (The History Guy)

Lance Geiger is “The History Guy” on YouTube, where he tells forgotten stories of ancient and modern events “that deserve to be remembered.” His topics range from aviation history to forgotten battles, historical figures, and more from around the world. His award-winning channel has garnered more than 164 million views and one million subscribers.

Tank Park

Get closer to the stars of the show and their crews.

Army Zone

See the current vehicles serving in the Royal Armoured Corps.

 Museum Curator David Willey & Director Richard Smith

Squire, Iron Armenian & The Operations Room

Bruce Newsome (Includes Book signing)

The History Guy & Jesse Alexander (The Great War Channel)