1919 BSA Military Roadster
This handsome BSA rides well.
The paintwork has lasted well for a 90-year-old machine and, though faded, the various BSA transfers around the bike are discernible.
You can compare the BSA with the 1921 catalogue, below. The ‘Gent’s Tourist Bicycle’ had a BSA 3-speed hub.
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BICYCLES AT WAR
Bicycles have been used in the military for over 100 years. The first time that bicycles were used successfully in a military capacity was after the Spanish War of 1898 when Lt James A. Moss, U.S. Army, and a hundred black cyclists were rushed in to help with riot control in Havana, Cuba. They were laughed at and scorned but the amusement and chuckles soon died away when they proved effective. Rioting mobs were dispersed with ease by soldiers who moved in quickly and used their bicycles as barricades. Notwithstanding this success the American Army still hesitated to accept the bicycle as a machine of war.
In 1885, the British army began using bicyclists as scouts during Easter Maneuvers, and in 1888 formally established the 26th Middlesex Cyclist Volunteer Corps.
In 1887 the French army also formally added bicycles to military service in July, and by 1895 every corps and division was equipped with some bicycles. In the same year, Capt. Gerard made a folding bike for French infantry that could carried on a soldier’s back.
For several years before the Anglo-Boer War the bicycle had been used in South Africa for para-military purposes and occasionally unofficially for military purposes but the real test of its usefulness in war was during that war. Six percent of British troops in the Boer War in southern Africa at the turn of the 20th century were on bicycles. They were used for messengers, patrols, railway defence, etc.
Boer leader Danie Theron formed his 108-man Wheelriders in September. The British formed the 1000-man City Imperial Volunteers. By 1901, 13,000 cyclists had served in the Boer War.
Bicycles were common during World War I. At start of the war, the British had 14,000 cyclists in a variety of bicycle regiments and battalions. In 1916, every corps was assigned 500 riders in three bicycle companies and, by 1919, the British had 100,000 riders.
The London Cyclist Battalion patrolled the coast of England to watch for a German invasion. After air attacks began in May 1915, bicyclists with signs “Take Cover” warned British citizens to find shelter.
After Mons (23 August 1914), British and French cyclists fought rear guard actions, dismounting from bicycles and lying prone to fire weapons, then retreating quickly on the bikes.
10th Royal Scots - WW1
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A prefix on the frame number denotes that it was originally used by the army. When I have a moment, I’ll rub the paint down to expose the number properly.
I’d describe this 90-year-old BSA as the ideal ‘oily rag’ – totally usable, original paintwork, weathered but readable transfers.
Though the chain-guard transfer has mostly faded away with time, the BSA name still remains.
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