Australia - New Zealand - Lest we Forget.

http://www.aussiebloggers.com.au/wp-content/redpoppy.gif

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."

Have a good ANZAC day everyone. I missed the dawn service for the first time in several years as I forgot to set my alarm and didn't wake up in time.

An old thread but it is ANZAC today and I thought sharing this post on bicycles past (http://www.awm.gov.au/blog/2011/03/23/the-bicycle-in-warfare/) and their use in warfare was a timely thing to to.


The bicycle is a machine that we can all relate to, it’s a common denominator. Be that early childhood memories of the first ride down that steep hill, the freedom to go distances that would be problematic on foot or that flat tyre at the most inconvenient time.
Today, bike technology has changed dramatically from the bikes that were being used in the First World War. No carbon fibre frames or dual suspension shock absorbers, gears – what were they? And the AIF Uniform was the standard Cycling Corps apparel, no Italian lycra for our boys as the photograph below demonstrates. This photograph was taken in c1915 at Broadmeadows, Victoria of six members of the Australian Cycling Corps with their bicycles prior to deployment overseas.
https://cas.awm.gov.au/screen_img/DAOD0139
Australian Cycling Corps c 1915 Broadmeadows, VictoriaDAOD0139 (http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/DAOD0139)
It is not well known that the AIF had cycling units that were used in many of the major battles during the First World War such as Messines in June 1917, and Passchendale July 1917. These units were deployed to the front line as well as undertaking cable burying, traffic control and reconnaissance work.


Andrew

raleighs or bsa, or did aus have a bike factory?
bikes still have a place in some countries' military.
i heard our aircraft carriers have them for quick transport. be interesting to ride against the wind while pitching up 'n' down and/or side to side. i guess drunks do it when their internal
gyros go wonky!

my dad served with aus in vietnam. his only comment was 'DAMNfine soldiers!'