Going To War Pt 1: The Dispatch Riders

   When World War 1 broke out in Europe, it was quickly apparent that all the technology advances of the late Victorian Era would play a part. "The Great War" would be the world's first mechanized war. The distance and scope of military movements were enlarged. Warfare was no longer a regional affair, it was now global. Communication between troops was critical, but more problematic.

Radio technology was still in it's infancy. The neccessary equipment was cumbersome and fragile and it was often plagued by atmospheric conditions. When it worked well, radio transmissions could still be easily intercepted by others. Often, carrier pigeons would be used, but the most reliable method was to send a courier to convey important documents and information. The days of mounted riders on horseback were all but over. Horses were limited in speed and distance before tiring and, if wounded, would leave the rider on foot and possibly captured. The relatively new development of the motorcycle seemed perfectly suited for the job.

  In August of 1914, just a month after hostilities began, Britain declared war on Germany. Probably the first nation to recognize the opportunities offered by the motorcycle, the British government called for volunteers to serve as motorcycle dispatch riders. Whether from patriotic duty or the lure of adventure, the public response wasn't only enthusiastic, it was overwhelming. Many were turned away, with more volunteers than positions available. The British offered volunteers £10 immediately upon signing up, 35 Shillings per week of service, and another £5 upon receiving an honorable discharge. Upon completion of service the volunteer's motorcycle would be purchased at the fair market value or replaced with a new, comparable model. Service was for one year, or until the ward's end.

  To qualify as a Dispatch Rider, certain criteria needed met for both the rider and the machine. The motorcycle was required to be at least 500cc in engine size, either a single cylinder or a horizontally opposed twin, and it needed a "change speed gear"... old English for a multi-gear transmission. The British manufactured Triumph Model H, known as "The Trusty Triumph" was the favored machine of the British (30,000 units built for the war), but many other motorcycles saw service with Dispatch Riders in WW1, such as Douglass, and the leading American brands such as Harley Davidson and Indian. 

  It was considered essential for the rider to be equipped to handle any mechanical needs that should arise, so they were expected to carry the following equipment. 

One valve complete with spring, washer and cotter

One sparking plug

One piston ring

A tyre repair outfit including spares for valve

A spare tube

A spare belt and fastener (if belt driven)

Spare link and a spare chain (if chain-driven)

Complete set of spares for the magneto

Selection of nuts and washers

Two valve cap washers (if used on machine)

Complete set of tools

Two gaiters for tyre repairs

A spare 'cover' to be carried by signal units for each machine (a tyre)

  

  Dispatch service must seemed rather dull for much of the time. Regular duty consisted of essentially running mail from Headquarters to various locations and back again, often delivering carrier pigeons to be used. It's been said that 75% of the service was uneventful, but that other 25%, would've been pure adrenaline...

 
  "Then came two and a half miles of winding country lanes. They were covered with grease. Every corner was blind. A particularly sharp turn to the right and the despatch rider rode a couple of hundred yards in front of a battery in action that the Germans were trying to find. A “hairpin” corner round a house followed. This he would take with remarkable skill and alacrity, because at this corner he was always sniped. Into the final straight the despatch rider rode for all he was worth. It was un-pleasant to find new shell-holes just off the road each time you passed, or, as you came into the straight, to hear the shriek of shrapnel between you and the farm."  -Adventures of a Despatch Rider by British Army Capt. W.H.L. Watson

  Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, events were unfolding in the Mexican desert that would change how motorcycles would be be used in warfare. 

To be continued...