Motorcycle insignia

Discussion in 'User Introductions' started by Don Cheyne, Jan 10, 2012.

  1. Don Cheyne

    Don Cheyne Junior Member

    Pleased if someone could help me with motorcycle insignia details.
    I'm rebuilding a 1939 BSA WD M20 motorcycle in wartime colours.
    I live in Northumberland and have family connections with the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers so, I would like to use their insignia on my motorcycle.

    I have found the red TT on black, emblem of the 50th Northumbrian Division which would have been painted on the n/s of the petrol tank but cannot find any insignia for the 4th Battalion RNF (motorcycles) to paint on the o/s.

    I believe also there was a 23rd Northumbrian Division and the 8th Battalion RNF (motorcycles) which served with them but I have found nothing for either of these.

    Any advice appreciated.

    Don.
     
  2. Rich Payne

    Rich Payne Rivet Counter Patron 1940 Obsessive

    Hello Don, Welcome to the forum. I have a January 1940 WD16H that was abandoned in Belgium by the BEF so the markings of the period are a particular interest of mine.

    You haven't actually said which time frame you're intending to portray. I'm rather assuming the BEF of 1940 but there are also plenty of photographic references showing 4 RNF on home service after they re-formed as a motorcycle reconnaissance battalion.

    This thread might help if you're thinking of a BEF period portrayal.

    http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/1940/40499-bef-motorcycles-formation-signs-arm-service-markings-census-numbers.html

    If you can give me an idea of date, I'll look further for you.

    Rich
     
  3. Steve Mac

    Steve Mac Very Senior Member

    Hello Don,

    The 8th Bn Royal Northumberland Fusiliers were the motorcycle recce for the 23rd (Northumbrian) Division. It was the duplicate i.e. born out of, the 4th Bn Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, motorcycle recce for the 50th (Northumbrian) Division.

    Both saw service with the BEF in Flanders in 1940. The 4RNF and 50 Div were first line Territorial outfits. The 8RNF and 23 Div were second line outfits.

    The former landed in France at the end of January 1940, took part in much action including the Arras counter-attack and were back on their way to the UK circa 31 May 1940.

    The 4RNF remained as motorcycle recce until August 1940, when they converted to a pure recce role, as 50th Recce, 50 Div, until February 1942 when it transferred to 22nd Armoured Brigade, 1st Armoured Division in N Africa. It was overrun in the Gazala Cauldron and Knightsbridge battles on 1 June 1942.

    The latter landed in France on 24 April 1940, had a hard time and were back on their way to the UK circa 31 May 1940. The 8 RNF and 23 Div were understrength, under trained and under-armed and were sent to Flanders to act as pioneers. However, the 23 Div ended up in the thick of the fighting and suffered terribly.

    The 8RNF remained as motorcycle recce until November 1940, when they converted to a pure recce role, transferring to the first line 3rd Infantry Division and seeing active service from D-Day to VE day in NW Europe as 3rd Recce (NF) Regiment.

    I think your best line would be to follow the 4RNF, as it was a first line outfit, had a more prominent role with the BEF and there is more information in circulation about it.

    Here is another link that you might find helpful: http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/1940/13824-oi-careful-my-combination-4th-battalion-royal-northumberland-fusiliers.html#post133858

    Best,

    Steve.
     

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