CROWDS were given a glimpse into the realities on the ground in Afghanistan – and a chance to show their support for the armed forces engaged there – at Bovington Tank Museum’s Tankfest.

Some 10,000 people turned out for the two-day event, which coincided with Armed Forces Day on Saturday.

The heart-stopping highlight was the mock ambush and casualty evacuation performed by trainees and instructors from the Royal Armoured Corps.

Nik Wyness, press officer for the Tank Museum, said: “A lot of people came here to show their respect and solidarity with the armed forces, especially with the fact that it was Armed Forces Day. As soon as the guys walked into the arena there was a spontaneous round of applause which was quite moving in a way.

“It was very much a demonstration of what’s going in operations today. That’s the message we wanted to get across – giving people an opportunity to see and appreciate for themselves the kind of things they are doing on a daily basis in Afghanistan.

“From that point of view it was a lot more sober than other re-enactments you might see.”

As well as a programme of tank displays, including the special contribution from the Royal Armoured Corps, there was a range of military exhibitions, including living history encampments with costumed re-enactors, parachute jumps and a host of trade stalls and other activities.

It was also an opportunity for members of the public to meet serving members of the armed forces.

Sunday was also the official presentation to the tank museum of a £1.5m donation from the Kuwaiti government to preserve its collection.

The occasion was marked by the visit of a representative of the Kuwaiti government, the Kuwaiti ambassador, the Duke of Kent and the Duke of Westminster.