21/10/2026
An Appeal to the Haulage Industry: Help Veterans’ Champion Harold Payne Keep His Military Fleet on the Move
For over 35 years, motorists travelling along the A17 at Fleet Hargate have put their brakes on in surprise at the sight of the Anglia Motel. Adorned with flags, a Hawker Hunter jet gate guardian, an FV432 armoured personnel carrier, and a massive 65-ton Chieftain tank, the site is much more than a popular roadside transport café—it is the headquarters of one of the UK's most dedicated veterans' fundraising operations.
At the heart of it all is Harold Payne, the motel’s 86-year-old proprietor. Driven by childhood memories of an uncle who struggled deeply after returning from World War II, Harold has dedicated his life to honouring the armed forces. Alongside a loyal group of volunteers, Harold’s tireless efforts have raised more than £1 million for veterans' charities, pilgrimage funds, and remembrance displays. From personally spending £60,000 to restore a wartime DUKW amphibious landing craft to take veterans out to sea at Normandy, to his current £250,000 campaign to construct the "Tree of Life" war memorial, Harold's commitment has never wavered.
The Challenge: Moving the Fleet to Raise Funds
A cornerstone of Harold's fundraising strategy has always been sharing his ever-growing military vehicle collection with the public. By transporting these historic vehicles to military weekends, rallies, coastal towns like Hunstanton, and community showcases, Harold catches the public's imagination and fills donation buckets
However, moving heavy armoured hardware, classic military transport, and amphibious craft requires serious mechanical muscle.
To keep these vital charity exhibitions on the road, Harold is putting out an urgent call to the logistics, commercial vehicle, and haulage communities.
The Anglia Motel team is looking to source a twin-wheel HGV tractor unit.
A reliable twin-wheel unit is crucial for safely coupling to heavy low-loader trailers, ensuring compliance with weight distribution regulations, and providing the stability required to haul historic armour across the region. Whether it is an older, well-maintained fleet tractor unit reaching retirement from commercial service, or a vehicle a dealership might be willing to sponsor or partial-donation, this asset will directly translate into thousands of pounds raised for former service personnel.
How You Can Help
Every mile this tractor unit travels will directly support remembrance activities, veteran welfare, and the preservation of military history. Harold and his team are looking for leads from:
• Fleet Operators & Transport Companies: Do you have a de-fleeted, roadworthy twin-wheel tractor unit that could be donated, sponsored, or sold at a charitable rate?
• Commercial Vehicle Dealerships: Could your business partner with a legendary local fundraiser to provide a vehicle that will serve as a high-visibility champion for veterans?
• Mechanics & Enthusiasts: Do you know of a viable unit sitting unused that could be brought back to service for a noble cause?
If you can help source a vehicle, provide a lead, or wish to discuss a transport partnership, please reach out to Harold and the team directly.
• Contact: Paul Barnes
• Email Only: [email protected]
• Location: The Anglia Motel, Main Road, Fleet Hargate, Holbeach, Lincolnshire, PE12 8LT
Let's help the man who has spent decades supporting our heroes get his fleet back on the road.
