Hi, would anyone be able to identify the make of the motorcycle in the attached photograph? The group are despatch riders, the one in the middle being my uncle. Thanks Wiffer
Ask Rich Payne , he's the motorbike guru (I've emailed my father-in-law the photo who is also into old bikes.See who replies first.)
It is indeed a BSA WM20. Delivered under contract C6126 during June 1940. I calculate that it would have had the frame number WM20 19157. According to the 1941 GHQ listings, Arm of Service serial '282' was issued to 5 Defence Regiment R.A. As such, the troops would have been 'Motorcyclists' rather than 'Despatch Riders' which was a Royal Signals 'trade', although their duties would have included the carriage of despatches. The motorcycle has yet to be modified by the addition of pannier equipment which probably indicates that the photo dates from1941 / 1942.
Thanks Owen, Mike and Rich. The video is indeed interesting, and the information on the bike in the photo is very helpful. My uncle was indeed a Gunner in the RA. The distinction between motorcyclist and despatch rider is new to me, so thanks for clarifying this also. Wiffer
If you're interested and in the area the Royal Signals Museum has the complete collection of DR motorcycles from WW1 to the 1980's
Is anyone aware of any despatch driver motorcycles on display in any museums in Bristol, Dover, or Norwich. I am particularly interested in motorcycles that would have been used to ferry information from Y Service sites to processing facilties during World War II.
When I was about 18 I bought a Matchless 500 and when I took it home my Mum said "I rode one of those in the war" . From memory we determined her's was a 350cc model. Mum was in the ATS and was attached to a Heavy AA unit in the London area. Thanks for posting as I needed a prompt to undertake more research on my Mums War Story.
Not wartime, but saw this picture earlier today and thought a bit of repurposing, as they say nowadays, was evident:
Thank you. The Royal Signals museum may be too far south, but we’ll try to add it to our intinerary. Please keep the suggestions coming.
Here's a Matchless with an ATS rider, or did your mum ride one of the earlier girder-forked versions ?
Ideas for places near Norwich Maybe ask this place if they have any. Norfolk Motorcycle Museum – Just another WordPress site They might even have some here. Norfolk Tank Museum or Norfolk Attraction | Tanks at the Muckleburgh Military Collection Fire off an email or ask on their socials
Maybe of interest: Henry Body rides again! - Kingswood Museum I think the museum is opening after its Winter Standdown this Saturday and can let you know of its 2023 programme. Not one of your named locations, but there is a small, interesting offering at: https://www.militaryintelligencemuseum.org/y-service They might still have a Norton H16 too. There is a process for visiting, which their website explains.
I know theres a BSA wm20 at Bletchley park if my memory serves me correctly I think I took a photo of it when I was there last year
