Convoy 2010
Memorable event with aviation highlights
In August 2010 Birmenstorf hosted Switzerland’s largest and most attractive military old-timer show, the 5th series of ‘Convoy to Remember’. Accident-free, with great participation from all over Europe and great weather, 25,000 visitors saw an attractive show. The next Convoy would follow in August 2013: smaller, yet even better.
Remarkable number of women
600 military old-timers from Switzerland and 12 European countries, 20 tanks and 15 war-planes, some of them rare historic models, were the stars of the event, among them, of course, the original Dakota C47 from the invasion days of 1945.
Among the vehicle-owners, but also among the visitors, the remarkable number of women made quite a stir. The 11 re-enactor groups, which faithfully enacted historic combat situations, attracted special attention. Never yet had media response been as great, with all national media reporting on Birmenstorf and its ‘Convoy’.
Great good-will all over the region
For the participants themselves, the traditional Convoy through the Fricktal was the absolute highlight. Via Schenkenbergertal, Zeihen, Brugg, 400 vehicles drove through the beautiful Jura. The enthusiasm along the route was very impressive. Thousands observed the parade. In Zeihen, the authorities put on a reception for the guests of honour. The passage through Brugg was packed with spectators who saw impressive scenes of military history.
People almost fancied themselves being witnesses of the Allied Invasion in Normandy in 1945.
Also in Birmenstorf the interest of the public and the sponsors was enormous. A few critical comments were contrasted by numerous positive letters which the organizing committee received. Co-operation with the authorities and the police was exemplary.
The extensive security concept proved to be sound.
In 2013 the next ‘Convoy’ will take place, smaller and even better.
The organzing committee agrees: The next Convoy is in 2013, however, it will be downsized somewhat, since the event has reached a size which nudges the upper limit. So, from 9th – 11th August 2013, Birmenstorf will again be the venue of the friends of military old-timers. Though a bit smaller, the event will not be less thrilling and original.
Swiss TV reported:
Absolute highlight at the Convoy 2010 was the transfer flight of an Original-Dakota C-47 from England to Switzerland.
