British Forces Motor Cycles 1925-45

 

Perhaps the most far reaching of the many changes wrought on the military by the First World War was the mechanization of the armed services. After many centuries of use by the Army for patrols and communications, the trusty horse was finally supplanted by the new-fangled motorcycle. This mechanization process gathered pace during the interwar years and in particular for the military motorcycle between 1925 and 1939. By the outbreak of the Second World War the motorcycle had become an important part of the military inventory and deemed 'suitable for WD (War Department) requirements'. When it was first published in 1995, this fully illustrated book was unique in looking at all military motorcycles of British origin known to have been tested mainly by the Mechanical Warfare Experimental Establishment (later called the Mechanisation Experimental Establishment). Ten years on, the authors have prepared a fully revised and updated new edition of their book that includes three new chapters covering standard parts, bike markings and paint schemes. There is also a picture spread that illustrates despatch rider's clothing. New to this edition is a 16pp colour section that illustrates restored WD bikes, including detail shots of engines and components.

 

Chris Orchard & Steve Madden

Hardcover large format 236pp

Book Code:  EX0658