Monday 10 September

Many motorcyclists have been asked to report to the port of Embarkation. One rider arrived in Southampton (now known as Port No1) to find the machinery of war being prepared for loading. The railways too, had been taken over and a pre-planned timetable meant that men horses, guns and stores could arrive at a port ant be quickly loaded.

Contemporary films show horses being reluctantly loaded onto wagons. It took up to 6 men to ease those horses onto the train whilst behind heavy guns were being craned onto the train.

Sunday 9 August 1914

In Chatham the motorcycles have now arrived and are being unpacked by the riders under training. One pens a letter to say how exciting it is to be able to choose his own brand new motorcycle.

Saturday 8 August 1914

It is all very exciting and large numbers of motorcyclists are still coming forward to volunteer as dispatch riders. Their chance to challenge themselves and their bikes against challenging roads. A free trip across the channel in the summer sunshine, help our boys give the bad guys a bloody nose and return home before Christmas. What an adventure.

Tuesday 4 August 1914

War Office Library copy of the Mobilisation Regulations updated for 1914 

 

 

Britain declares war on Germany after they refuse to withdraw from Belgium. Mobilisation begins and many motorcyclists are trapped in Europe having travelled for the International Six Day Trial due to start yesterday.

 

Back home Mobilisation begins according to a predefined plan. Motorcyclists rush to their nearest recruitment centre to sign up as Dispatch Riders whilst others are recalled to their military HQs.

Sunday 5 July 1914

The 132 Entrants in the ACU Trial were preparing themselves for the start in Sheffield on 6th. Among the entrants was A.J. Sproston a well known racer of the time and soon to become a Dispatch Rider in the Royal Engineers.