The biggest military history show in North America has returned to Oshawa this weekend as the Canadian Tank Museum hosts its signature Aquino Tank Weekend, a three-day spectacle of battle re-enactments, tank demonstrations and family-friendly activities.
Held annually on the south side of the Oshawa Executive Airport at the Canadian Tank Museum, formerly known as the Ontario Regiment RCAC Museum, Aquino Tank Weekend runs June 12 through 14 and features an action-packed schedule of demonstrations, one-on-one tank battles and immersive battle re-enactments that transport visitors back to the Second World War.
The centerpiece re-enactments combine artillery, infantry and vehicle encounters narrated in real time, supported by explosions and gunfire using blanks that nearly take spectators back to May 19, 1944. On that date, the Oshawa-based Ontario Regiment helped the Allies break through the Hitler Line, a formidable defensive barrier of obstacles and strong points that blocked the Allied advance toward Rome.
Formed in 1886, the Ontario Regiment is among the oldest continuously serving reserve regiments in Canada and one of the senior armoured regiments in the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps. The regiment saw extensive service in both world wars and was particularly active in the Italian campaign during the Second World War, with the Battle of Aquino carrying special historical significance for the unit.
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. Five soldiers were wounded and one went missing in action. Trooper Jack Phillips was never seen again.
The Hitler Line was ultimately 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.
Beyond the re-enactments, the museum showcases more than 180 operational historical vehicles in static and dynamic displays. Visitors can ride in a real military vehicle or battle tank, or explore the Ontario Regiment museum gallery featuring 200 years of Canadian military history.
The event also features displays from Canadian Armed Forces units, partner museums from across southern Ontario, historical reenactors, pipe and drum bands, radio-controlled tank demonstrations, gourmet food trucks, a beer garden and a popular Kids Zone.
With advance ticket sales at a record pace, we are expecting a very busy tank weekend, said Canadian Tank Museum Executive Director Jeremy Neal Blowers. It is 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.
The museum underwent a rebrand two years ago as part of a 30 million dollar expansion, becoming the Canadian Tank Museum.
VIP and weekend passes for all three days, as well as individual day passes for Saturday and Sunday, are still available. More information can be found at the Canadian Tank Museum website.
For Durham Region families looking for a unique weekend outing, Aquino Tank Weekend offers an unforgettable blend of education, entertainment and living history right in Oshawa’s backyard.
