Featuring this year in Hampshire’s Armed Forces Day Convoy will be a tribute to the Second World War role of Princess Elizabeth. 

The princess, at the age of 18, joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) which at its peak strength had 200,000 members.

After completing her driving and vehicle maintenance course she was posted to the Mechanical Transport Training Section in Surrey.

One of the vehicles she was known to have worked on and driven was a K2 military ambulance. On June 24 an original K2 ambulance will be driven in the convoy with a special passenger – actress and living history re-enactor Harriet Ball, who portrays Princess Elizabeth in her ATS role.

A spokesperson for the voluntary organisers said: “We are very pleased to include this special attraction for 2023 because it is a way of recognising our female service personnel past and present.” 

Also in the convoy will be the veterans’ coach, with the passengers representing all service personnel. Many of the Royal British Legion motorcycle escort riders are veterans. More than 45 classic military vehicles are registered to take part and high-profile safety vehicles are being supplied free by South Coast Cop Cars. 

The convoy will depart from Southwick and will travel via the B2177 to Wickham. It will divert via the A32 and A334 into Wickham Square, arriving at 10.20am.

The drive through will take eight minutes, with the convoy departing via Bridge Street on to the A32. 

From Wickham the convoy will take the A32 through Droxford, Corhampton, Warnford, West Meon, Privett, East Tisted and Farringdon, then the A31 into Alton, through the town centre to Anstey Park.

Alton Town Council is organising a big free family event there from 10am to 4pm, with a welcome to the convoy at 11.30am.

The event will support the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and local charities.