martygun

Many thanks.

Hi Stefano,

I'm very impressed with the restoration of you ML, Mine is currently sat in boxes after being shot blasted and primed just waiting form me to find the time to start the final spraying of the top coat and then the rebuild. I'm interested in the photo of your HT lead, where did you get it from with WD markings?

Regards

Martyn

I did try the D-day museum and was suprised when they said the had no information on the James. I'll try the Royal Marines historian before I hit the museum.

Thanks for the info, I can get on with the respray. As a serving marine I'd like to think it was in service with the commando's. Where would be a good resourse to get pictures and the correct markings from?

Before I go diving down rabbit holes trying to trace the history of my new (to me) James ML I though I'd try here first.

The Frame Number is ML 6715

Engine Number AAA25428A

All history was lost when the previous owner passed away with nothing documented.

I've been into my copy of British forces Motorcycle by orchard and Madden and with the details above it fits into contract S6603 1943/44 which would give a WD serial Number of 5831216. It appears to have been converted to civilian use at the end of the war as it has the long mudguards and a number plate. interestingly it still retains its folding foot pegs, locking bar for the handle bars and the round tool holder.

What i'd love to know is who it went to when it rolled off the production line? It well documented that although procured for airborne unit it didn't see much service with them and many ended up with the Navy and apparently were used extensively by beachmasters on D day. Final question what colour, SCC2 or olive drab?