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A restored World War II scout car capable of travelling almost as fast backwards as forwards will be among the military vehicles on display at Armistice in the Park at the Warkworth Showgrounds on Saturday November 14.
The 1942 Daimler Dingo Scout Car is one of a collection of restored military vehicles coming from throughout New Zealand for the event, which is being organised by Heritage Mahurangi.
Designed in 1939, the Dingo was used by military forces around the world from 1940 until 1974.
Weighing 2.8 tonnes, the compact armoured vehicle was powered by a 2.5-litre six-cylinder petrol engine and could reach speeds of 88km/h. Its unusual five-speed gearbox allowed it to travel at high speed in either direction.
Armour plating up to 30mm thick protected its two occupants – a driver and gunner – with the latter operating a Bren machine gun through an opening in the front armour.
The Dingo coming to Warkworth represents the 18th Battalion of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force’s 4th Armoured Brigade, which served in Italy during World War II.
The battalion originally drew its volunteers from the upper North Island, with initial training at Hopuhopu and Papakura camps. It was part of the first echelon sent overseas and served alongside other New Zealand units, including the 21st Battalion and the 28th Māori Battalion.
Although complex in design, the Dingo proved so reliable and successful that Ford developed its own version, known as the Lynx.
The scout car will be one of the attractions at Armistice in the Park, which will feature military vehicles, interactive living history displays and activities for children.
The event will also provide an opportunity to remember those who served in wartime.
A formal Armistice commemoration involving veterans and RSA personnel will take place at 10.30am, followed by a performance by the Royal New Zealand Navy Band at 11am.
Mahurangi College and Warkworth School kapa haka groups will perform at 1pm.
Food trucks will be on site throughout the day.
Heritage Mahurangi has assembled a volunteer organising committee to bring the event together and is seeking additional helpers to work two-hour shifts on the day.
Armistice in the Park at the Warkworth Showgrounds on Saturday November 14, will be open from 10am to 4pm. Entry is $10 per person, with children under 13 free.
