Essex man's military Land Rover will help Ukraine battle

The imposing vehicle, which has bulletproof glass and weighs around four tonnes, was used by British armed forces in Belfast for about 20 years.

It was hastily converted – fitted with air conditioning and splashed with desert camouflage – in 2005 for use in the Iraq War.

It also saw action in Afghanistan, before it fell into the hands of a military vehicle dealer.

When Mr Thornton, 53, from Shrub End, saw the vehicle advertised online, he jumped at the chance to purchase it.

Over the past four years, the armoured vehicle has kept Mr Thornton and his nine-year-old son entertained, making regular appearances at military shows until the Covid-19 pandemic struck.

“I bought the vehicle to be used in military shows, so the kids can enjoy climbing into an armoured car,” he said.

“Because of Covid, military shows had not been running for a couple of years.”

After this hiatus, the Land Rover will be used in military operations once more.

Sebastian Thornton with his military-grade Land Rover

It is set to be collected and shipped off to war-torn Ukraine, where fierce fighting has engulfed swathes of the country.

Company Tanks-Alot, which offers tank driving experiences and corporate services such as film and TV hire, is purchasing privately-owned military vehicles to be shipped off to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

“I saw a request for anyone with Snatch armoured vehicles,” he said.

Sebastian Thornton with his military-grade Land Rover

“I don’t want to get rid of it, but it was just going to stay where it is and I don’t want it to become useless. I reached out to them and they asked me to send pictures.

“They asked what windscreen it’s got and whether it is bulletproof glass.

“I’m happy it’s going to be used to help people.”

Mr Thornton first spotted the vehicle advertised for sale online, jumping at the chance to purchase it from a military salvage dealer.

Sebastian Thornton with his military-grade Land Rover

Papers were provided proving its authenticity, with Mr Thornton later finding hidden clues hinting at its past uses.

Mr Thornton said: “I even found a code inside.

“A card was hidden in the vehicle – I asked some soldiers what words like ‘Irene and Mike’ mean and they said it was American coding not British, so I think American soldiers were using it.

“It still has Afghanistan sand all over the inside.”

Sebastian Thornton with his military-grade Land Rover

Heads are turned when the camouflaged behemoth cruises around Colchester.

“Because of the armour, the Kevlar, it weighs around four tonnes which is unbelievable – it can’t really be used off road,” said Mr Thornton.

“You’ve got to have the first part of your HGV licence to drive it.”

Thankfully this hasn’t proved to be an issue for lorry driver Mr Thornton, who regularly fields questions about the vehicle’s history.

“I’ve just had its MOT,” he said.

“I take into a garage and they’re all over it. When I used to take it to Lidl, I’d have soldiers come up to me and say they used to drive ones just like it in Iraq.

“Because we’re a Garrison town, when I’m on the road everyone thinks it’s the Army driving it about.”

Sebastian Thornton with his military-grade Land Rover

Although Mr Thornton is sad to let the vehicle go, he is pleased it will be put back to military use.

He said he had been told the donated armoured Land Rovers will likely be used by the Ukrainian troops as fast “in and out” vehicles.

“All these images of people staying there, trying to live their lives while getting bombed,” he said.

“All those tower blocks smashed, there’s nothing for many of them to go back to.

“If the war stopped next week, many of the refugees can’t go back as they have nothing to go home to.

“When I was considering doing this I thought the Land Rover to me is just like my toy, but it’s going to be used to actually do some good.”