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Features
Germany’s Lightning Truck - Opel Blitz and Flak 38 combination prove a real head turner
Crowland Buffalo Update - The latest news on the LVT-4
Harborough at War - This ‘newbie’ to the show circuit proved another success
Yorkshire Wartime Experience - The north's favourite event is back and better than ever
Overlord Show - Crowds enjoy another action-packed military spectacular
Flaming Hell - Craig Moore on the development of flame thrower tanks
Ferreting Around - Chance meeting reveals more about scout car's history
Deadly Efficient Mobile Warfare - Gerry van Tonder looks at the history of C Squadron SAS and the vehicles used
View from the Other Side - James Kinnear travels to Russia to interview Angola vets on their war experiences
Regulars:
News/Letters - Military news and views
First Aid - It was only in the August edition that we carried the story about World War Two veteran Ernie Covill’s visit to the Crowland Buffalo. Ernie, 97, had driven Buffaloes during the Rhine crossing in 1945 and was able to share many of his experiences with the team restoring the LVT-4, recovered from 30ft underground after it was lost during floods in 1947. On Thursday, August 12, we were told the news of Ernie’s death from cancer and this photo montage is our tribute to him. RIP Ernie, thank you for all you did, Sir. For more, see page '16.
Gear Guide - Gadgets, gear and cool military ‘stuff’
Military Vehicle Market - Nigel Hay on the military vehicle scene
Books - Four new releases for your military library
Collectable Books
Events List - Key dates for military shows and events
Destination - SeaBee Museum
Workshop - Creating legroom
Moore’s Manoeuvres - Craig Moore's military world
COVER IMAGES: An AMX-13 at the Overlord Show while re-enactors take part in a battle scene at Harborough at War.
It is with sadness that we share with you the news of the death of World War Two veteran Ernie Covili. Readers will recall seeing images of Ernie in the August edition of Classic Military Vehicle magazine while he was paying a visit to the Crowland Buffalo not long after it was recovered from under 30ft of mud. Ernie, 97, who was from Boston, Lincolnshire, drove the amphibious vehicles during the Rhine crossing in 1945 and shared his memories with the restoration team. He naturally became quite emotional during the visit as seeing the Buffalo brought back many memories for him, both good and bad.
Unfortunately, I did not meet Ernie on that occasion but did get in touch with a family friend soon after, asking if we could set up a meeting. I intended to interview Ernie about his experiences driving Buffaloes during the war and write a story for an upcoming issue of the magazine. However, while discussing potential dates to meet, I was told Ernie was not well and, understandably, our discussions ended. We subsequently learnt of Ernie’s death on August 12 and I’m once again left despairing at an opportunity missed. As I have mentioned previously in this column, I desperately wish I had taken the time to record my father’s experiences during World War Two, only learning too late that all these questions I have running around my head will never be fully answered. Each year the number of veterans dwindles, and it won’t be long before their stories are lost to us. So, my appeal is, if you know a World War Two veteran, be it a friend or family member, please take the time to sit down and record their story before it is too late. If you would like to send these on to us for publication, we’d happily consider doing so.
Enjoy the read and, as always, your feedback is welcome.
EDITOR
ANDREW STONE
