Farm Life - tanks and tractors

by Roger Hill

We recently visited Slapton Sands and saw the Sherman tank raised from the seabed in 1984. It commemorates one of the biggest tragedies during the Second World War. 946 men lost their lives during ‘Exercise Tiger’, training for the D-Day landings. It reminds us of the futility of war, especially with all that is happening in Eastern Europe.

As farmers we stand shoulder to shoulder with our Ukrainian counterparts, but question how they can continue their work with tanks crossing their land, military planes overhead and gunfire echoing around the countryside - it’s reported they’re wearing bullet proof vests while planting crops. Before the invasion Ukraine was known as the breadbasket of Europe, with agriculture being its most profitable business. The country is one of the most fertile places on Earth thanks to its rich black soil known as Chernozem resulting in huge exports of wheat, barley, maize and as we’ve heard in the news recently, sunflower oil.

Not only are the farmers now struggling but also their animals. A mercy mission from our own village delivered vital supplies for horses including food, medicine and blankets which was gratefully received. Amongst all the carnage and heartache, one piece of video footage made me smile. It was the sight of Ukrainian farmers recovering abandoned Russian tanks using their tractors. Stay safe. ‘Til next time, Roger #TuppertheTractor (website: quoit-at-cross.co.uk)

Excerise Tiger memorial - the tank had lain on the seabed off Slapton for 40 years