TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLES HELPED AMERICA KICK GERMAN BUTT DURING WWI & II
Triumph Motorcycles is a world-renowned motorcycle company that does more than just manufacture cool bikes. Their motorcycles have a rich military history, but how exactly do they connect to military history? Well, let’s start at the very beginning. Suggested read:Here Are the Military Motorcycles That Helped Rev Up U.S. Success
The History of Triumph Motorcycles
Triumph Motorcycles Ltd is a privately-owned British company that just celebrated its 120-year anniversary. They have a long, rich history with several ties to military support. The company developed its first bike in 1902 and began to produce more motorcycles and develop its brand over the years. Triumph has produced more than just awesome motorcycles, however. They were a significant part of history. It all started when the Triumph motorcycles developed strong ties to the military. They helped aid war efforts and established strong levels of communication among Soldiers fighting on the frontlines. Their support with military supplies started in 1915, and it was all uphill from there.
How Triumph Motorcycles Helped WWI
At the beginning of WWI, the military began to invest in motorcycles to aid with communication efforts. There were slight issues with common forms of communication across the frontlines. Telegraph lines were prone to enemy fire and could become collateral damage. Signal lights and smoke signals showed enemies where Soldiers were. The messages also risked enemy interception. So, Col. Claude Holbrook decided to work with Triumph to aid with communication services in the military in 1914. By 1915, Triumph assisted Allied Forces with its 499cc type H motorcycle. This was a fast, quiet, and efficient bike for stealthy travels. They had no problem traveling over uneven terrain. The British army, in particular, focused on implementing motorcycles into their communication efforts. They were a huge success and a pivotal stepping stone for military technology. Because of its role in the war, the model H motorcycle would earn the nickname “Trusty.” Allied forces received 30,000 of these motorcycles by the end of the war in 1918. The Motor Machine Gun Service was deployed in 1915. This unit called upon men who were specifically interested in and knew how to ride motorcycles. The men would ride the bikes supplied to the military, which had a sidecar combination added to help carry Vickers machine guns. Part of the military motorcycle's purpose was to carry heavy guns, as they made for a much more efficient delivery system than other common means of the time. Overall, the Triumph bike helped Allied forces in WWI, but that wasn’t the only positive impact Triumph had on the military. The company’s ties into the military continued into WWII.
Triumph Motorcycles in WWII
The outbreak of WWII forced more and more motorcycle manufacturing to be geared toward the war. By 1940, all Triumph Motorcycle production was for the war, and motorcycles were no longer being made for civilian use. At this time, the motorcycles were still used as messenger bikes. They were also used as reconnaissance to help troops gain insight into where the enemy was. By the end of the war in 1945, 50,000 Triumph motorcycles were sold to the military to assist in many military operations. Soon thereafter, Triumph continued public manufacturing and started selling bikes to civilians again. Nowadays, it’s unlikely to find Triumph motorcycles that were produced during the war. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. There are still some people with these war-era bikes. Check out this Triumph Army motorcycle on the reality TV series, Counting Cars:
2022 Triumph Motorcycles
Triumph Motorcycles still manufactures kick-@$$ bikes, and you can find amazing modern creations at Triumph Motorcycle dealers across the nation. Interested in owning a motorcycle that has its roots in military history? You can easily find a Triumph dealership near you, as there are plenty of Triumph Motorcycles dealerships across the USA. Triumph sells gear and clothing, too. You can pick up a pretty cool Triumph Motorcycle jacket, balaclavas, and other riding essentials. Nowadays, it’s a novelty to see old Triumph motorcycles. But the significance behind the bikes makes the classic ones much more meaningful. Vintage Triumph motorcycles that date back to the early/mid-1900s remind us of a significant era in history and everything that went into the military successes of the good guys on the world’s stage. Triumph Motorcycles is more than just a motorcycle manufacturer and company. They helped amplify communication efforts and contributed to allied successes in WWI and WWII. Read next:6 Inventions Made for War That Are Now Used By Civilians
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