British Military Bicycles

BCA · #1 19-06-17, 04:00

Great find Colin. I was bogged down and overwhelmed with the bureaucracy of the times until page 1623 and onward (February 1944). There are references to "Bicycles GS" and "Bicycles, folding, airborne pattern". The issuance of the folding bicycles to Assault Divs is presumably a reference the D-Day "assault".

Neil Ashley · #2 21-06-17, 19:54

I am looking for some Rifle Clips for my BSA Infantry Bike if anyone knows of any original or reproduction ones for sale.

Lang · #3 22-06-17, 02:52

A curse on you Colin!

I wasted two hours reading some of those documents - absolutely fascinating.

thanks

Lang

Colin Alford · #4 22-06-17, 23:26

Brian,

I thought you might appreciate the various nomenclature.

Lang,

I too have spent too many hours over the last week exploring the various period documents available on that website.

Colin

Colin Alford · #5 09-08-20, 02:01

A wartime photo of the folding bicycle. It includes the designation “Bicycles Folding with Retractable Pedals”. With V.A.O.S. Number “BF 2012”.

This designation may only have been temporary as the file also includes the attached helmet photo with a designation which I believe was subsequently modified.

These photos were sent to Canada in April 1944.

https://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/o...284/49?r=0&s=3

Hanno Spoelstra · #6 18-06-23, 14:11

From an early MVCG/MVT magazine, via Rob van Meel. A list of bicycle frame numbers used by the RAF include a listing for Hercules Gents Model: RAF numbers 11430 - 17429.

IMG_0756.jpg

First time I see a reference to Hercules frame numbers, mine has frame number CB 9526.

IMG_0774.jpeg

maple_leaf_eh · #7 18-06-23, 17:15

A great-uncle of mine was a wartime RCAF aircraft mechanic. At one time I asked how he got around on the airfield. Did he have a Jeep? No, he chuckled. He had his tool box and he balanced it on the handlebars of one of the shop's many bicycles to go out to work on a plane.