British Military Bicycles

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Since finding out I have a WW2 Hercules military bicycle, I'm going through this forum and other sources to collect more information on the subject of British military bicycles:

Originally Posted by Rob van Meel

The following information is taken from Handbook on Military Bicycles. 1911 (reprinted with amendments 1914)

part II Description of Military Bicycle.

14. The earliest pattern of British military bicycle was "Pattern 1898". Since then there have been five modifications known as mk. I, II, III, III* and IV. As there are but few of Patt. '98 bicycles still in use they are now known as Mark I (P/98). and the following Marks are governed by the following distintive features :-
Mark I are fitted with fixed rear wheel and a front rim brake.
Mark II are fitted with free wheel, front rim brake, and a Bowden brake acting on the rear wheel.
Mark III, III* and IV are fitted with Coaster hubs and a front rim brake only.
All are supplied with wheels 28" in diameter, and where possible a continuity in the pattern of components has ben maintained throughout the succesive marks. (end quote) etc.

The drawing is one of these patterns.

In WW II the commonly used bicycle was the Mark V, with front rim brake (Phillips stirrup pattern) and the rear brake would either be a similar Phillips rim brake or alternatively a Coaster hub brake. In some war establishments the mk V is referred to as trade pattern bicycle.

Rob

[Hanno Spoelstra]

See http://bsamuseum.wordpress.com/the-military-roadster/ for "Pedal Power - The British Military Bicycle" by Ian Skennerton, published in 1991 in Arms & Militia Collector. An excellent source of information on this subject.

H.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Rare photo of a bicycle in action, in this case as an ammunition carrier it seems.

Though it could well be a commandeered bike, rather than an official Army issue one.

[maple_leaf_eh]

Originally Posted by Hanno Spoelstra

See http://bsamuseum.wordpress.com/the-military-roadster/ for "Pedal Power - The British Military Bicycle" by Ian Skennerton, published in 1991 in Arms & Militia Collector. An excellent source of information on this subject.

What else has Ian Skennerton written about? Lee Enfields, sniper rifles, bicycles - what's next field brothel furnishings?

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by maple_leaf_eh

What else has Ian Skennerton written about? Lee Enfields, sniper rifles, bicycles - what's next field brothel furnishings?

Some authors are quite prophylactic, profane, ehm what's that word - ah, prolific! - eh?

[BCA]

Has anyone seen a manual for the BSA folding bicycle? I am particularly interested in the exact nomenclature for this model. ....... Brian

[maple_leaf_eh]

Originally Posted by Hanno Spoelstra

Some authors are quite prophylactic, profane, ehm what's that word - ah, prolific! - eh?

For a man whose second language is English, your sense of humour is pretty good. Your teachers would be proud of you.

[Ed Storey]

Brian, unlike the Americans who had a manual for everything, there is no manual specific to the British BSA Folding Bicycle. It may be referenced in the Vocabulary of Ordnance Stores and it is discussed in Pamphlet No. 4 Airborne/Airtransported Operations, Supplement No. 1 1948 as a Folding Bicycle. The Bicycle Mk IV is covered in the 1931 and revised 1944 edition of Instructions for Armourers.

[BCA]

Ed, Thank you for your input. Owners are always keen to add "airborne" or "paratrooper" to the description of their collectibles. I am still hopeful that some documentation surfaces that explains the design and intent of the BSA folding bicycle... Brian

[derk derin]

Thanks Hanno,
I have had a couple of British handlebars in my collection of "Surplus items" and never knew what bicycle they came off of and also had a type of mount on the front with a leather strap. Looking at your link on British military bicycles you posted finally identified what bicycle the handlebars belonged to. It looks like my handlebars are off of a Mk IV bicycle and the mount with the leather strap is in fact the front rifle mount for the bicycle! Another mystery solved!
Regards,Derk

[derk derin]

More photo's;

[Colin Alford]

While conducting research on a different topic I ran across this file from Canadian Military Headquarters, London entitled: Policy and Provision of Bicycles for CAOS.

The file is located at the following link and is covered by images 1601- 1637.

http://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oo...78/959?r=0&s=3

Colin

[BCA]

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]

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

[Lang]

A curse on you Colin!

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

thanks

Lang

[Colin Alford]

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]

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]

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.




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

[maple_leaf_eh]

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.