1942 Cdn Army Motorcycle Training Film | GTAMotorcycle.com

1942 Cdn Army Motorcycle Training Film

It makes you realize that the Great Escape movie with Steve McQueen isn't that far fetched. They're all riding Nortons. I think the Canadian Army mostly used 750cc Harleys. They likely just trained on Nortons. Looks like a good training school though, not like the weaksauce civilian ones.
 
Canadians trained here used HD 750 side valves, that were built in the Massey Ferguson plant in Toronto.
There was a training depot just south of Woodstock.
 
bitzz said:
Canadians trained here used HD 750 side valves, that were built in the Massey Ferguson plant in Toronto.
There was a training depot just south of Woodstock.
Click to expand...
My wife's uncle was an instructor there.I have a picture of him and her other uncle in uniform on a Royal Enfield.
Osl5hNi.jpg
 
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My grandfather was a DR. When he returned at wars end the local papers proclaimed " The Mad DR Returns !". My grandmother said he was on European vacation while she worked 2 jobs and took care of the kids !
I think he was pleased my first bike was an 850 Commando and I sure as heck wish I had never sold it.
 
I think I have the soundtrack for that on Edison tube lol
 
Those military bikes sure seem like adventure bikes since they seem to go everywhere with them. Bushwacking!

Going up the sand dune was amusing.


Sent from the moon!
 
Owned a 350cc Triumph 'single' that saw duty in the desert WW 2, it's air-cleaner/ intake-box was on the gas tank. Rear suspension was by way of seat springs and the main stand was pivoted at the rear axle. The bike was in running condition and was sold to a US collector a couple of years back.

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Chris-CJ said:
Owned a 350cc Triumph 'single' that saw duty in the desert WW 2, it's air-cleaner/ intake-box was on the gas tank. Rear suspension was by way of seat springs and the main stand was pivoted at the rear axle. The bike was in running condition and was sold to a US collector a couple of years back.

Sent from my SM-G970W using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
 

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Hubby had a grandfather who did this training.

I have a tiny pic (2×2) black and white that is creased. Anyone know of a reputable place to get it restored and maybe enlarged? I've been looki g in durham region but not getting the warm and fuzzy feel from anyone. It's the only photo and I'd like to have it framed for the rest of his family.


Thx!
 
Thx. Just really hesitant to part with the original and terrified that it will get messed up. My grandparents original wedding photo was taken by a cousin (with good intentions) but botched by the restorer.
 
The takeaways:

- Bush whacking looks fun
- Ignore the bombs, must ride on
- The bikes did better in the dirt than expected, just don't bend the frame
- They look quite comfortable
- Drum brakes.. all that sand would find its way in
- No GPS, wonder how many ended up lost and riding into enemy lines?
- Some don't have headlights, were there night riders?
- Wire across the road trick - there's no trick dirtier than this
- Don't lay back and have a smoke in an open field when there's bombs around, bush whacking is your friend!
- When men were men
 
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