Battle tanks, history and re-enactments, oh my, at museum’s signature event in Oshawa

The biggest military history show in North America, the Canadian Tank Museum’s signature event and an awesome battle re-enactment all rolled into one make Aquino Tank Weekend in Oshawa must viewing.

Held every year on the south side of Oshawa Executive Airport at the Canadian Tank Museum (formerly the Ontario Regiment RCAC Museum), Aquino Tank Weekend is three days of action-packed excitement for families and history enthusiasts that rolls out demonstrations, battle re-enactments and one-on-one tank battles.

The battle re-enactments combine an intensive experience where artillery, infantry, and vehicles encounter each other, with the scenarios narrated and supported by explosions and gunfire (with blanks) that (almost) take you back to May 19, 1944, when the Oshawa-based Ontario Regiment helped the Allies take the Hitler Line, a defensive line of obstacles and strong points which blocked the advance to Rome.

Formed in 1886, the Ontario Regiment is among the oldest continuously serving Reserve regiments in Canada and is one of the senior armoured regiments in the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps. The regiment saw service in both wars and was especially active in the Italian campaign in the Second World War, with the Battle of Aquino carrying special significance.

The small farming town of Aquino anchored the western end of the Hitler Line, with the entire barbed wire-lined barrier supported by mortars, machine guns and anti-tank guns.

The regiment lost 13 tanks (nearly one third of their total strength) in the battle, suffered five wounded and one missing in action: Trooper Jack Phillips, who was never seen again.

The Hitler Line was taken four days later by the first and second Canadian Infantry Brigade at a cost of 162 killed, 306 wounded and 75 taken prisoner.

The German army in Italy surrendered the following April.

The museum is also known around the world for its extensive collection of operational historical vehicles (180-plus), which will be showcased in both static and dynamic displays over the weekend.

There will be displays from Canadian Armed Forces units, partner museums from all over southern Ontario, a myriad of historical reenactors, other supporting organizations with similar interests (from pipe and drum bands to radio-controlled tanks), gourmet food trucks, a beer garden and the always popular Kids’ Zone.

Guests can also take a ride in a real military vehicle or battle tank or take a walk though the Ontario Regiment museum gallery with 200 years of Canadian military history.

The Ontario Regiment RCAC Museum, which houses North America’s largest collection of operational historical military vehicles (including a battalion of tanks), underwent a re-brand two years ago as part of a $30 million expansion and became the Canadian Tank Museum.

The new museum grounds will encompass the existing structures and Oshawa’s Heritage Conservation District, which contains the last Second World War buildings at the Oshawa Executive Airport, into a larger curated heritage complex.

The Ontario Regiment Museum remains a component of the larger overall museum and continue to house and protect the artifacts and heritage of the Ontario Regiment RCAC. The regimental museum will be an integral part of the enlarged museum facility but will be alongside other galleries and displays including the extensive collection of military vehicles and tanks.

All will be showcased to the public – and tank battles too – for Aquino Tank Weekend June 12-14.

“With advance ticket sales at record pace, we are expecting a very busy tank weekend,” said Canadian Tank Museum Executive Director Jeremy Neal Blowers. “It’s exciting to see how this event is resonating across Canada and now around the world. I have met visitors from three continents and 11 countries already today. “

VIP or Weekend Pass for all three days and individual day passes for Saturday and Sunday are available.

For more information visit https://tankmuseum.ca/home/aquino-tank-weekend/