Melksham-based defence manufacturer Avon Protection is backing a unique European expedition that marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day and supports the wellbeing of UK veterans.
The VE-80 Overland Expedition, which began on 8th May—VE Day—will see a team of veterans travel more than 4,000 miles across Europe, visiting historically significant sites to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by British forces during the Second World War.
The month-long journey is in aid of Veterans in Action (VIA), a charity that helps former servicemen and women manage post-traumatic stress by involving them in adventurous activities and expeditions that promote mental, physical and social recovery.
Senior director of marketing and communications at Avon Protection, Natasha Goddard-Wellon, said, “Avon Protection has a long history of supporting the British forces with life-saving equipment throughout their military careers. Supporting veterans after service, through initiatives like this expedition, is equally important to us—especially as our company includes many veterans.
“We wish the team well and look forward to following their journey over the coming weeks.”
In preparation for the trip, the veteran team spent six months fully rebuilding three Land Rover Defender 110s. Each vehicle was stripped back to the chassis and rebuilt to suit the demands of the expedition.
One has been converted into a mobile kitchen with extended awnings and upgraded suspension to carry additional water supplies. Another serves as a mechanics truck, fitted with custom VIA molle boards and drawer systems stocked with tools and repair gear. The third is a transport vehicle for the team. All three vehicles feature solar panels and batteries, finished in a bespoke Raptor paint job and sponsor branding.
The expedition will take the team through sites including Malmedy in Belgium, the scene of a wartime massacre; the Market Garden region in the Netherlands; the Harz Mountains and Nuremberg in Germany; Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland; Bastogne in Belgium; and more. The journey will conclude in Normandy, France, on 6th June—D-Day—marking 80 years since the Allied landings.
Pictured: Veterans in Action Billy Macleod MBE and one of the VE-80 Overland Expedition vehicles during a visit to Avon Protection’s facility in Melksham, UK, before the journey
