D-Day to VE Day - Grand Tour by Jeep

Commemorate the 80th Anniversaries of D-Day and VE Day, and raise funds for a service charity

About the Event

Get involved in a unique and exciting historical experience, combining the thrill of travelling in a jeep, with history and remembrance.

Retracing the route of the 13ᵗʰ/18ᵗʰ Royal Hussars (QMO) as they fought across North-West Europe in WWII, from the beaches of D Day to the end of the war in Northern Germany and VE Day.

A total of 1600miles by WWII jeep, you can participate as a front seat passenger for one day or more along the route and escorted by a regimental historian. In so doing you will be helping to raise funds for a service charity: The Light Dragoons Charitable Trust and supporting veterans and their families.

Featured on BBC Radio Solent!

Ex-soldiers retrace WW2 route in Jeeps for VE Day

Read the full article on BBC News

Charitable Aim of the Event

This event is dedicated to raising funds for the Light Dragoons' Charitable Trust, a cause close to our hearts. By participating, you're not only embarking on a historical journey but also directly supporting the welfare of soldiers, veterans, and their families.

About the Charity

The Light Dragoons' Charitable Trust provides critical support for the wellbeing of current and former members of the regiment. This includes:

Financial assistance for those in need.
Support for veterans transitioning to civilian life.
Educational grants and opportunities.
Mental health resources and rehabilitation programs.

The charity ensures that those who served with distinction are never forgotten and receive the support they deserve.

How Your Contribution Helps

All profits from this event will go directly to the charity, enabling them to continue their incredible work. Here's how your participation makes a difference:

Covering medical expenses and providing mobility aids for injured soldiers.
Offering financial grants to families of fallen soldiers.
Funding projects aimed at preserving the regiment's legacy and history.
Creating new opportunities for veterans to build successful futures post-service.

Your support is a lifeline for those who have dedicated their lives to serving our nation.

Make a Lasting Impact

An example of the financial support that can be provided by the Light Dragoons' Charitable Trust is the Light Dragoons Peer Support Group. This group of volunteers are all veterans of the Light Dragoons and they aim to help those who are struggling in any areas of their personal lives. They are not psychologists or clinicians - instead they are all ex-soldiers of the Regiment who have served and lived alongside each other, with a common understanding of the obstacles in life after service and able to offer advice and support to overcome those obstacles. In effect soldiers looking after soldiers.

A recent interview by BBC News with Dale McKenzie, an ex-Light Dragoon Warrant Officer and founding member of the LD Peer Support Group. It explains powerfully what they do and the help they can offer, especially to ex-soldiers who are contemplating suicide.

Whether you bid for a day in the Jeep or choose to donate directly, your contribution will have a profound effect on the lives of those who have served our country. Together, we can ensure that no veteran or family is left behind.

Donate Now

Historical Context

WWII Willys Jeeps

On this tour we will be using the Willys MB and the Ford GPW, both commonly known as the Jeep, which was a highly successful American off-road capable, light military utility vehicle. Over 600,000 were built to a single standardized design for the United States and Allied forces in World War II, from 1941 until 1945. They were used in large numbers by the British Army in the latter years of the war.

13ᵗʰ/18ᵗʰ Royal Hussars (QMO)

The 13ᵗʰ/18ᵗʰ Royal Hussars (QMO) was a cavalry regiment of the British Army, formed in 1922 by the amalgamation of the 13ᵗʰ Hussars and the 18ᵗʰ Royal Hussars. During World War II, they served with distinction in various campaigns, including the D-Day landings and the subsequent advance through Europe.

The Light Dragoons

The Light Dragoons is a cavalry regiment in the British Army, formed in 1992 from the amalgamation of the 13ᵗʰ/18ᵗʰ Royal Hussars (QMO) and the 15ᵗʰ/19ᵗʰ The King's Royal Hussars. They have a rich history and continue to serve with distinction in various operations worldwide.

Event Itinerary

The tour is divided into two phases, taking participants through iconic battle sites, memorials, and museums:

Phase 1: 18 May - 01 Jun 2025: Sword Beach (D-Day) to Arnhem (Operation Market Garden) - 1,000 miles in 12 days.
Phase 2: 29 Sep - 08 Oct 2025: Arnhem to VE Day in Bremen, including visits to Reichswald Forest and Rhine crossings - 600 miles in 8 days.

Participants will experience acts of remembrance and visit over 40 cemeteries along the 1,600-mile route.

A Day in the Jeep

Experience an unforgettable day immersed in history, adventure, and remembrance. Here's what your day will look like:

1. Pickup & Briefing

Start your day at a designated RV point with a historical briefing to set the stage for your journey.

2. Historical Travel

Travel 60-105 miles, visiting significant sites of regimental history and learning about their importance as the front seat passenger of a WWII jeep.

3. Acts of Remembrance

Pause to honour the regiment's fallen at cemeteries and memorials, reflecting on their sacrifices.

4. Picnic Lunch

Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst picturesque and historically rich surroundings.

5. Hotel Accommodation

End the day with comfortable accommodation and a hearty breakfast the next morning.

6. Luxury Transfer

Return to the previous RV point in comfort, wrapping up a day filled with memories.

This immersive experience will leave participants with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for our shared history.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsorship is critical to maximizing the funds raised for the Light Dragoons' Charitable Trust. We aim to keep ticket prices accessible and use sponsorship to cover overheads, ensuring all profits benefit the charity.

Businesses and individuals can sponsor the event or specific legs of the journey. Please contact us for more details.

Ready to Join the Adventure?

Don't miss this unique opportunity to be part of history. Register your interest now and secure your place in the upcoming auction for a seat in one of our jeeps.

Register Your Interest