Goodwood Revival to commemorate D-Day with incredible display

More than 100 vehicles, all of a type that took part in one of the turning points in World War II, will be on display for the whole weekend, including planes, cars, tanks and even a boat.

D-Day's aerial wing will be represented by Spitfires, Austers, two Douglas C-47 Skytrains and the incredible Hawker Glider that helped so many reach the fields of Northern France.

The ground assault is to be represented by an incredible variety of vehicles. From Field Marshal Montgomery's own Rolls-Royce Wraith Staff Car to the legendary Sherman Tank. Monty's legendary Roller has been painstakingly restored to its original condition by none-other than Richard Hammond, and was the very first civilian-made vehicle to disembark onto the beaches as part of D-Day.

More military-minded vehicles include the M36 Jackson "Tank Destroyer", Valentine Amphibious Tank, M4 High-Speed Tractor and M8 Greyhound as well as a fleet of Jeeps, half-tracks, DUKWs, motorbikes and more.

Perhaps the most spectacular part of the display will be an original D-Day boat, specifically a 63-foot MASB 27 anti-submarine boat. This was deployed in D-Day for air-sea rescue duties and aided the transport of troops and armoured machinery to the shores of Normandy.

But, none of these machines would have been able to make a difference on 6^th June 1944 without the brave people who led the assault. We are particularly pleased to confirm that we will be joined by two D-Day veterans as well as Chelsea Pensioners on the Sunday of Revival (8^th September). Joining us for the parade will be Navy veteran John Dennett and Coastal Forces veteran George Chandler. 

All the vehicles will be on display throughout the weekend, with Spitfires taking to the sky every morning as part of our dawn patrol and all aircraft available to view as part of the Freddie March Spirit of Aviation presented by Bonhams|Cars. 

The commemorative parade will take place on Sunday 8^th September, and follows special events that took place at the estate on the anniversary, including the lighting of a beacon on Trundle Hill by the Duke of Richmond. 

RAF Westhampnett played a significant role in the Normandy Landings. As a forward airbase of the Royal Air Force, it acted as a base for fighter aircraft that provided support and protection for the landing allied forces. Just four years later the perimeter road of the airfield would be transformed into the Goodwood Motor Circuit that we know today.

Speaking of the celebration the Duke of Richmond said: “I am incredibly proud that the Goodwood Revival is marking the 80^th anniversary of the D-Day landings with our largest parade to date.

"As R.A.F Westhampnett, the Motor Circuit served as a base for operations during this time, and we are honoured to be welcoming veterans as part of the parade, recognising their vital contribution during the Second World War. Featuring a range of impressive military machines, the parade will bring the Revival community together to remember and reflect on this important moment in history.”

Photography by Jochen Van Cauwenberge and Oli Tennent.