7 -13 September 1914

Well Known Rider Invalided Home

TT Winner Vernon Busby was sent home after being shot in the leg. His reports of life at the front give us a vivid picture of the first six weeks of the war. After recovery, Busby became a motorcycle trainer and later a pilot.

Ambulance Sidecars begin to make their Mark

First developed by the Red Cross in June 1913 manufacturers were begining to develop sidecar ambulances. One of the first to be seen on the streets of Bristol was the Dalton developed by H. J. Dalton and Co, Croft Road, Coventry.

31 August to 6 September 1914

Where are all the Sidecars

It was reported that so far very few sidecars have been pressed into service by the Government, which is surprising in view of the small amount of room they take up on the road, their speed on the level and uphill compared with low-powered cars, and their economy in petrol consumption compared with an ordinary two-seater.

In reality a lot of sidecars were going to be ordered together with solos for the use of Officers and civilian services such as the police.

Olympia Show

The motorcycle press were suggesting that the motor Car and Cycle shows be amalgamated because only British manufacturers would be available. The reality was that the venue (Olympia) was being used as a holding centre for Aliens and that no show would subsequently take place.

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17-22 August 1914

From today this Blog will appear on a weekly basis

Advertising

One of the first adverts to feature military personnel on motorcycles appeared this week. The advert featured a Douglas motorcycle and would soon be followed by Scott and many others.

 

Generous Patriotism

In what was even at the time a very generous offer the Stepney Spare Motor Wheel, Llanelli, S. Wales, announced that they offered to pay 30 shillings a week to all employees going on active service. One wonders how long they were able to maintain the payment.

Anti- German Paranoia

A suspicious man was arrested in a motorcycle agency in London after asking for a Harley Davidson Instruction Book and a key for the toolbox. Unable to give a good reason for the request the German waiter, who had previously stolen a Harley was later handed over to the police. The report concluded “Irrespective of the offence he had committed he was liable to prosecution for riding a motor bicycle, as motor bicycles are, of course, forbidden to persons of German nationality.”



Sunday 16 August 1914

There is a lot of activity on the streets. Many civilian motorcyclists are being stopped at check points particularly in the East of England. There are many military motorcyclists travelling around the countryside. Many are part of the Territorial Force that are now billeted in schools close to secret strategic locations. They are on the look out for any suspicious behaviour.

Saturday 15 August 1914

Competitions are continuing this weekend in spite of an initial fear that all motorcycle events would have to be cancelled. There is however some inevitable disruption to events as entrants have enlisted and are at this very moment on route to Europe or in training waiting  for the signal to report to their port of embarkation.

Wednesday 12 August 1914

Britain declared war on Austria Hungary today. There is a lot of talk of spys and a fear of invasion. The reality is that MI5 have rounded up all the Enemy agents after having been keeping an eye on a network operating with a chip shop as a base. Their work now would have to concentrate on checking for radio equipment.

In East Anglia many Territorial Army motorcyclists and cyclists were setting up check points and guarding key buildings housing telegraphs.

Tuesday 11 August 1914

Motorcycle riders of the Royal Flying Corps made their way to Southampton and then onwards to their bases. The planes were being flown over by their pilots.

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.

Monday 3 August 1914

As at 3 August 1914 the British Army owned just 80 motor vehicles of which 15 were motorcycles.

Belgian answer to German Note, refusing demands, 7 a.m. King of Belgians appeals to King George for diplomatic intervention to safeguard Belgian integrity.

Luneville bombed by German airmen. Skirmish between outposts near Libau.

Grand Duke Nicholas proclaimed Generalissimo of Russian forces.

Germany declares war on France.

Order for British mobilisation.

Sir Edward Grey speaks in House of Commons.

Saturday 1 August 1914

The sidecar had proved itself as a satisfactory form of passenger transport. The comfort was said to be better than that of a motor car.

Meanwhile in Europe

King George wires to Tsar that Germany recommended British proposals to Austria on 30 July, but that Russian mobilisation was reported during Austrian Cabinet meeting.

Russia does not reply to German ultimatum expiring at noon. French mobilisation ordered 3.40 p.m.

Germany, having ostensibly ordered general mobilisation 5 p.m., declares war on Russia 7.10 p.m.; makes out that Russians had crossed frontier in afternoon and begun war. (Declaration drafted before noon.)

Tsar wires to King George V that he had to mobilise on account of Serbia;but that though he had promised Kaiser he would not move troops during negotiations, Germany had suddenly declared war.

Austria at last moment appears accommodating to England. Italy declines to take part in war, as being an aggressive one. Sir Edward Grey protests against detention of British ships in Hamburg. Belgium announces her intention of upholding her neutrality.

Monday 27 July 1914

Motorcycle manufacturer Phelon and Moore had recently introduced a system to allow their engine to be run on paraffin. The arrangement is brought about by making an extra division in the tank so that the main part is used for paraffin and a smaller portion is retained for petrol, that is used for starting the engine. As soon as the engine is properly warmed up the paraffin tap is opened and the petrol tap closed.

If Motorcyclists thought that Petrol was expensive in July 1914, They were in for a big shock.