WPG Vintage Challenge.
Wakering Photography Group Vintage Printed Challenge.
Military Odyssey Show Maidstone Kent.
This show of Military Odyssey celebrates it’s 17th year, with groups covering a vast period of global history.
This was an ideal opportunity to capture some vintage images for our groups October printed challenge.
The Matchless G3L Motorcycle was developed for use by the British Army :-
Engine - 349cc Air Cooled Single.
Production 1939 - 46.
Power 16 BHP at 5200 rpm.
In 1940, 110 Matchless G3/L's were ordered from England by the South African Army as the preferred machine for use by Despatch Riders.
As well as general army transport G3/L's were widely used for delivering messages that were too important to be sent by radio or by telephone.
They were also used for convoy escort, having to read maps and act as an “Advance Party" into occupied territory.
Dispatch riders were an easy target for snipers, they had to use dimmed headlights and coped with poor road conditions.
In a Second World War study, Sir Hugh Cairns identified head injuries as a major cause of loss of life among dispatch riders and recommended crash helmets instead of the standard “tin helmet" or forage caps that were often worn.
Sir Hugh's recommendation eventually led to compulsory crash helmets for motorcyclists – but not for another 32 years.
This Motorcycle was also used by the Civil Defence Agencies.
WPG Vintage Challenge.
Wakering Photography Group Vintage Printed Challenge.
Military Odyssey Show Maidstone Kent.
This show of Military Odyssey celebrates it’s 17th year, with groups covering a vast period of global history.
This was an ideal opportunity to capture some vintage images for our groups October printed challenge.
The Matchless G3L Motorcycle was developed for use by the British Army :-
Engine - 349cc Air Cooled Single.
Production 1939 - 46.
Power 16 BHP at 5200 rpm.
In 1940, 110 Matchless G3/L's were ordered from England by the South African Army as the preferred machine for use by Despatch Riders.
As well as general army transport G3/L's were widely used for delivering messages that were too important to be sent by radio or by telephone.
They were also used for convoy escort, having to read maps and act as an “Advance Party" into occupied territory.
Dispatch riders were an easy target for snipers, they had to use dimmed headlights and coped with poor road conditions.
In a Second World War study, Sir Hugh Cairns identified head injuries as a major cause of loss of life among dispatch riders and recommended crash helmets instead of the standard “tin helmet" or forage caps that were often worn.
Sir Hugh's recommendation eventually led to compulsory crash helmets for motorcyclists – but not for another 32 years.
This Motorcycle was also used by the Civil Defence Agencies.