Adventures of a Motorcycle Despatch Rider During the First World War by W. H. L. Watson

Description

Includes the First World War Illustrations Pack - 73 battle plans and diagrams and 198 photos. A young British soldier who went to war on two wheels "When the Great War broke out, the author of this book decided to leave his university studies and join the struggle. What attracted him immediately was the potential to combine his military service with his love of motorcycles and so it was that he found himself one of a select group of motorcycle despatch riders within the 5th Division of the show more 'Contemptible Little Army' that went to France and Belgium to halt the overwhelming numerical superiority of the advancing German Army. This book, an account of his experiences in the early months of the war, tells the story of a conflict of fluid manoeuvre and dogged retreat. Together with congested roads filled with military traffic and refugees, the ever present threat of artillery barrage and changing front lines the author had to constantly be aware of the presence of the deadly Uhlans-mounted German Lancers-who were always ready to pitch horseflesh against horsepower. show less

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1 review

tearaway 3,557 reviews

Quick, easy read about being a motorbike messenger with The Allies in France/Belgium during WW I. I really enjoyed the point of view of this non-fighting role that got to witness much of the unfolding strategy.

Mar 28, 2025

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dverg48 20 reviews

½

Dec 22, 2015

HaleyWhitehall 39 reviews

½