Historian joins WW2 convoy for D-Day anniversary

Kieran Tonge has driven to Normandy representing the The Military Vehicle Trust D-Day 80th Anniversary Tour

A Derbyshire historian has travelled to Normandy in a vintage World War Two truck convoy to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

Kieran Tonge, 27, from Ilkeston, has joined the world’s largest group of ex-military vehicle owners taking part in the The Military Vehicle Trust D-Day 80th Anniversary Tour.

Mr Tonge travelled to France in his American WW2 truck, called GMC CCKW 353, alongside 365 vehicles.

The 27 year-old said: "It's vital that we remember what happened 80 years ago."

Mr Tonge has owned his American WW2 truck, called GMC CCKW 353, for 18 months

Mr Tonge said he has been to Normandy five times but this is the first occasion he's taken his truck, which he has had for 18 months.

The trip is the largest ever presence of Military Vehicle Trust members in France, with 1,000 people making the journey from four ports in the south of England.

"I've always been into war stuff through my dad and my granddad," said Mr Tonge.

"It's probably the best thing I've done, in my life anyway so far, owning this vehicle. It means everything.

"It's vital that we remember what happened 80 years ago, we remember the people involved, because there's not many of them left anymore, so in the next couple of years, they won't be here and it's down to us to remember them."

Mr Tonge said his truck was a "vital" vehicle used in World War Two

Mr Tonge said his vehicle was the "driving force" of the US Army throughout the war.

"This would have been used throughout the war, after the invasion of Normandy. It would supply the whole of the American army with rations, medical supplies and ammunition.

"Just getting to preserve history and teach people, that's why we do it in the first place and then you get the fun of driving it."

Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.