Motorcycle identification?

Discussion in 'Vehicle Names and Census Numbers' started by A.Moore, Jul 22, 2020.

  1. A.Moore

    A.Moore Member

    Hello,

    Does anyone know what motorcycle my grandfather is standing next to? I'm not sure when this photo was taken. He was with the 2nd Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment.

    Any help would be appreciated.
    Many thanks.

    Anneke
     

    Attached Files:

    von Poop likes this.
  2. 8RB

    8RB Well-Known Member

    Looks like a Norton 16H. And an early (1939-ish) one, I think, given the big diameter head light. Have a look on the internet to see if you can confirm it.
     
    von Poop likes this.
  3. A.Moore

    A.Moore Member

    Thank you very much! Will do.
     
  4. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    Rich Payne is the man on here for motorbike queries.
     
  5. Rich Payne

    Rich Payne Rivet Counter Patron 1940 Obsessive

    I can confirm that it is a Norton WD16H. Delivered under contract C6127 which commenced delivery late in May 1940. The fitment of a steel headlamp mask and a pillion seat puts the photo quite a bit later. Quite possibly the summer of 1942. The bike has a certain amount of damage (not to mention the bald front tyre !) It would normally have had frame number W15044. I can't find it on any list of survivors. The arm of service serial '61' indicates one of the battalions in an infantry division in the post-Dunkirk sequence of serials.
     
    Chris C, Guy Hudson, 4jonboy and 3 others like this.
  6. A.Moore

    A.Moore Member

    That's incredible! Thank you very much, Rich, I really appreciate all this info.
     
    Rich Payne and von Poop like this.
  7. Rich Payne

    Rich Payne Rivet Counter Patron 1940 Obsessive

    I thought that I'd have a go at 'bracketing' C4193346.

    Here is C4193175 (171 earlier) It's in Canadian service. You can see that the headlamp blackout masking is the simple black paper sheet with a small cut-out as used from the outbreak of war.

    A 1940 C4193175.jpg

    ...and this is C4193544 (198 later) . This one looks to be in use with the Canadians too.

    A 1940 C4193544 b.jpg
     
  8. A.Moore

    A.Moore Member

    Fascinating stuff (great photos), thanks so much!

    Can I be cheeky and ask if you know what motorbike my other grandfather is riding? These photos were taken between 1940 and 1942 in Indonesia, though I suspect this motorbike is quite a bit older? My dad has some memories of this motorbike but could never find out what kind it was.
     

    Attached Files:

  9. Rich Payne

    Rich Payne Rivet Counter Patron 1940 Obsessive

  10. A.Moore

    A.Moore Member

    Your help is once again greatly appreciated! My dad's really pleased and we've been doing a little research with the help of your links.
    Thanks again.
     
    Rich Payne likes this.

Share This Page