1943. RAF Wing Commander James “Johnnie” Johnson puts his Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX into a vertical climb above the clouds.
November 10, 2022
WW2 Motorcycle
Some photos of Harleys and DKW’s taken by my riding buddy Dean during his recent visit to the National WW2 Museum in New Orleans. Based where the Higgins Boat, or LCVP, we’re built. These were the landing craft that brought US soldiers to shore in every major amphibious assault of World War II.
August 14, 2022
Khaki
The Tiger looking sharp against a nice green car. The RAF roundel befitting the natural hue. Overcast and drizzly ride to Zion. Nice greasy combo breakfast at Emily’s. Fresh coffee, eggs over easy, and pancakes.
July 23, 2022
Orange Utility
Volkswagen’s response to the US Jeep and UK’s Land Rover was this lightweight version. The Type 181 is the military version of its 2WD lineup.
July 9, 2021
Gals Gang
– a lovely photo from someone’s family album. The lass on the right was someone’s grandmother who served as a nurse on Hawaii during the Second World War. The white socks and head scarves are pure period cuteness.
June 6, 2021
Day of Days
June 6th 1944
– a pivotal moment of the Twentieth Century when the Free World decided to take back what had been overthrown by the Nazis. Here’s a fresh faced army courier strapped into a Horsa glider, with his Matchless ride, bound for Normandy.
April 19, 2021
Khaki Cub
– what a fun looking little back lane machine. The black rims and army green tank a a superb look.
April 18, 2021
The Great Escape
– what better way to escape across the Bavarian countryside than on a rugged tyred Triumph TR6 in German wartime feldgrau. Of course Steve makes it look effortlessly cool.
November 11, 2020
The Unforgotten
.. although the legacy of The Great War is of death and pain some of ‘the lads’ did find camaraderie with the mundane tasks to keep the military machine running. Here are despatch riders from the Royal Signal Corp having a jolly old time keeping their Triumph Model H’s on the road.
July 15, 2020
Airborne
Marvelous old photograph of one of the Royal Marines Display Team riders soaring over his colleagues and a Mini Cooper. An elegant flight path.
July 10, 2020
Roadside Chat
– wartime communication was enabled by the feat women riders who carried essential documents between various ministries and planning groups. They look very proud in this image on some country road under grey skies.
May 25, 2020
It’s a small world…
The model is for all intents and purposes complete. Spent the afternoon adding oily and muddy patina to the bike. Looking like it’s just been ridden from the Normandy beaches to the Ardenne.
May 22, 2020
Scaled Down
The 1/9th scale Triumph Kit is coming along a treat.
May 19, 2020
“Join the Wrens—free a man for the fleet.”
The Women’s Royal Naval Service was the women’s branch of the Royal Navy. Affectionately called Wrens they provided an essential supportive role during wartime and peacetime. They rode motorcycles as couriers and messengers such as this BSA M20.
May 17, 2020
Assembly Required
– here’s something that will keep me out of trouble for a few rainy afternoons. A 1/9 scale WW2 era Triumph 3HW. The ubiquitous single cylinder workhorse of the British forces. Indeed it is the motorcycle used by my grandfather George in his duties as a Military Policeman in the North African theatre.
geordiebiker.com 