A convoy of vintage military vehicles made a brief stop at The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 260 – 100 Mile House on July 29.
A crowd of area residents, travellers and local veterans gathered to examine the vehicles that were parked in front of the Legion.
They were part of the Freedom Route 5 convoy travelling north to Fairbanks, Alaska to raise awareness of military veterans and to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the building of the Alaska Highway.
The convoy was organized by the Western Command Military Vehicle Historical Society (WCMVHS) based in Vancouver and with members all over British Columbia, Alberta and the United States.
Washington state resident David King drew a lot of attention when he rode in on a 1942 WLA (American) Harley-Davidson motorcycle. With its 700cc Flathead V-twin, this motorcycle was built at the same time as the Alaska Highway.
It had vintage ammunition storage bags, a machine gun scabbard containing a replica Browning submachine gun and a First World War trench knife along with a 48 star American flag.
WCMVHS member Chuck Ingram said everywhere they stop there has been a great response.
He adds all the vehicles are privately owned and restored, including the British and Dutch consortium of a 1990 Leyland DAF, a general utility truck he was driving.
Convoy co-ordinator and 25-year Canadian Armed Forces veteran John Hawthorne was driving a 1941 GMC K18, communications vehicle, or signal van, nicknamed “Old Pokey.”
There was a 1943 Field Artillery Tractor that carried ammunition and it was towing an ammunition trailer.
Australians Jim and Sandy Sewell drove their restored 1943 Chevy Wallace van that took a month to ship over from Perth. They have also toured all over Europe with their van.
The convoy left Chilliwack on July 28, making stops at the Ashcroft and Clinton Legions before making their overnight stop at member’s home at Green Lake.
Legion manager Leah Nielsen said she was overwhelmed with the response.
“It’s nice to see veterans reflecting and talking amongst themselves about their experiences.”
