wdbikemad

By early 1943, when ML production started, the standard WD base colour was by then SCC No.2 brown..........so ALL first contract / early ML's were finished in this shade rather than green.................after April 1944, olive drab was specified as the new service base colour for vehicles, but older stocks of paint had to be used up first before the new colour............. So, late-contract ML's were finished in olive drab............. The colour on the bike shown is indeed the remains of SCC No.2 brown............... I consider the numbering on the saddle-stem lug on wartime ML's to be a factory build/identification number, separate from the frame number.......the former may have been what the works identified the bike by, rather than the frame number.........Ariel used a similar system, issuing each W/NG with a "tab" number (works identication number) although in Ariel's case this was never applied to the frames................post-war, this practice ceased, as I have a 1947 ML frame that bears a frame number but no stamping on the saddle-stem lug.............. I have a list I have compiled of surviving WD-ML's...........some of this info has come from photos without double-checking the "C" Serial number against the frame number, but it's a start................ No record survives of Villier's engine number allocations to James and others (eg - Excelsior)............:-)

Very few differences........the main one being that the non "simplified" jackets feature a false "double/turnback" cuff.............the RAF went for wartime economy in a big way it seems..........:-D

For reference, my ML is frame number "ML 3401" (first contract) and the number on the rear engine lug is "3520"..... The bike, although restored, is exceptionally complete with original fittings including saddle cover, correct ML headlight switch and resistor, etc.........second time I've owned this bike now in 26 years (and second time I've restored it too !)......it was bought in bits (though complete) around 1990 and according to the old log book was registered in 1953 as "Ex-WD - Rebuilt"...............

I was issued with a pair of NI boots ("Boots, Urban Patrol") in the early 1980s............. They were high-leg (about 10 eyelets high I think ?), made from a lightweight thin pebbled-finish leather, NO toe-cap, and the sole was a similar tread pattern to the existing DMS ankle-boot but not quite the same.....the sole was also thinner and softer rubber than the latter.........compared to the DMS boot, they were incredibly light in weight and a revelation after wearing the heavy ankle boot......... The main issue with these boots however, is that they were intended for pavement pounding rather than field use and if used as intended would normally last a tour.........I wore mine in the field where it soon became apparent that the boots were neither waterproof nor durable and far too flimsy.........in fact, I managed to break my right ankle within a week of wearing them in the field so that taught me a big lesson............:embarrassed:

As far as can be ascertained, all WD ML frames were sequentially numbered.......this may well include "spare" frames built and/or supplied in addition to the 4 primary WD contracts............ Although no records appear to survive, there are a large number of "gaps" between contracts in the sequential frame numbering...... For example, the first contract finished at ML 3541.....the second commenced at 5209 and finished at 5408....the third started at 6001 and finished at 6900, and the final one started at 7001 and finished at 8500 (the remaining 1500 being cancelled, but no doubt built by James as civilian versions)......... I am tempted to suggest that the original WD contracts were for a specific number of "complete" bikes and the "gaps" between the contracts actually comprising of "spares" (common with many other WD motorcycle contracts)......these spares were usually large components, such as frames, fork-assemblies, engines, etc.......... The evidence to reinforce the above comes from a brand-new ex-WD ML frame (in the possession of Terry Roberts from "Metal Magic") which still bears the original SCC No.2 brown paint yet carries a frame number in the usual place in the "ML 4000" range, falling into the large "gap" between the first and second contracts.......... If this is the correct assumption, then it would suggest that all ML frames were numbered rather than being supplied un-stamped...........

RAF Aircrew issue (note the Flying Clothing "22c" stores prefix on the label), part of the cold-weather / survival clothing........no patches necessary as always worn as an undergarment...........a few members of my unit were issued with these during 1983 due to a shortage of the standard type........they weren't popular as rank had to be sewn to them instead of being slipped-on to the shoulder-straps !

Thanks for the above ! This clarifies a couple of points.......I have the same publication but 1951 edition...... Seems that there are 4 versions of the heavy jersey......... 1. The original pattern of 1941 which was bereft of any patches and with the drawcord running in and out of the neck. 2. The 1952 pattern that featured khaki-drill reinforcement to the neck (in which the draw-cord ran), the sleeve-ends and elbow patches. 3. The 1954 pattern that was as (2) but added drill patches to the shoulders. 4. The 1955 pattern that was as (3) but added shoulder-straps and the neck-reinforcement was changed from drill to knitted stockinette for greater flexibility and comfort. All the above from WD LoC's (list of changes). All patterns remained in use and continued to be issued where stocks remained. The last examples of style (4) were made around 1970 prior to the introduction of the improved universal-issue olive-drab heavy duty jersey.............

There were several types of issue "combat shirt" to the British military............. The WW2 pattern dates from the early 1930's, replacing the old grey-blue flannel type in use for around the previous 70-odd years.........this was khaki wool-flannel, pullover design, collarless (with a drill neck-band) and zinc-buttons........ As early as 1943 the above was replaced with an identical shirt but with collar-attached for wear with a tie when off duty...........buttons now generally fibre or plastic........ In 1950-51 a new shirt was introduced as part of the Korean War clothing development.........still in khaki wool-flannel, this now featured pleated chest pockets and epaulettes............... In the mid-1960s a revised khaki wool-flannel shirt was introduced, the "1964 pattern", which featured a stiffened collar for wear with and without combat clothing, a smarter tailored style and with reduced tails.......... In 1970 the combat shirt was introduced as many of us will remember.........back to soft collar, epaulettes, non-pleated chest pockets and reduced tails.............made in 4 sizes "0" to "3"............first issues were in khaki-brown wool-flannel (to use up existing stocks of the old fabric) and then by 1971-72 a colour change was made to olive green.......the fabric also changing to a wool-nylon mix instead of the 100% wool used previously............ All of the above continued to be issued and used after replacement as long as stocks remained in QM stores............ Scotch Harry, if desperate, I can supply you a new khaki combat shirt circa 1970-72.......:-D

Not sure about the introduction date for the 1st model DPM parka......but Soldier Magazine carried a news update on new kit in their April 1974 edition from SCRDE that mentioned a new parka being approved for service, replacing the older green version.....I would suspect that SCRDE development and trials of the new item would have commenced a few years earlier so around 1970-71 would be a good estimate along with a lot of other new kit........ There was a note however that existing stocks of the old green parka would continue to be issued and used until worn out rather than the new DPM garment......and with the older green parka being virtually indestructible it is not surprising that many garments remained in use well into the 1980s....... I don't think that the early DPM parka was a trial issue only......none of the few surviving garments display any SCRDE trial markings or labels........no, I suspect that this early version of the parka was the first production pattern issued from the mid-1970s......when the pattern was revised to the second, more common version still seen today and used in the Falklands conflict, is uncertain.......but I reckon this was late-1970s.....seems that sufficient stocks of the green parka remained in use during the 1970s to render issue of the DPM garment limited, hence so few being around today.......:-D

Huge thanks for this info and images Andrew !!:-D

Love this project and bike ! Thanks for keeping us all updated Ron :-D

BumpCity, we have all had those moments, me included ! Really appreciate your input into the current subject..............need detailed close-ups of your early DPM parka throat-piece plus the liner to ascertain differences for my book ! Any help most appreciated !!!!!!!!!!!!:-D

This is all what used to be called "character building" Sir Ron.......:-D !!!!!!!!

Obtained this recently.........desert DP sniper smock........same as the temperate version apart from the colour.........note that no NSN is detailed on the label as yet be be announced...........seems that the garment was never subsequently put into production due to MTP cammo coming on-stream............there is now an MTP sniper smock in production and on issue........:-D

I had a similar bargain with a new para smock earlier this year.....decent size (metric), Dashmore clothing made, and no FFD.................. Damn...wrong images !!!!!! Too many smocks !! And another from the collection........a Size 2 H E production here..........:-D These ones are correct.........

Please post photos of your parka when it arrives !!!!!!!:-D I ask because I have one too, but it is missing the liner and that throat/face piece (I always wondered what those press studs on the hood were for - lol).........any images of this, plus the liner to show any differences would be most appreciated..............note that the later version of the DPM parka came in several sizes but there were only 3 sizes of liner so this was perhaps reflected in the earlier sizing/pattern too....... These early DPM parka's are very different from the later (Falkland's) issues...........the outer is made from a semi-synthetic fabric quite similar to that used currently on MTP outer clothing, etc........plus the top-pocket flaps are rectangular rather than pointed and the top-left one contains a pen-pocket like the earlier 50s and 60s green parkas..........other differences include the parka semi-lining in green nylon, and the hood having double-"Fixlok" cord adjusters rather than one as on later issues..........note too the studs on the hood to fit that neck/face piece..........

I had a similar experience on Ebay only a few months ago now.......an early DPM para smock in really good condition and on a buy-it-now for an amazing price........metric size equivalent to the old Size 3, and although metric sized, H E Textiles made, mixed early dotted and non-dotted sateen fabric, cloth NZ zip and Newey- marked press studs........cuffs are original too............got it straight away and a real bargain......I reckon this is 1978-79 manufacture, no FFD pocket, etc.............final two images show my early Size 2 F Fryer para smock and although more faded than Harry's is from the same contract I believe in a really striking shade of DPM............everything original on this one too, including zip and cuffs, etc.........:-D

There is no "95" pattern PLCE, although there is the official "90" pattern in olive drab (actually made/in use one or two years earlier) and then the 1992-3 subsequent version in DPM cammo that was basically the same just a different colour.......a few items were modified but not sufficient to render the set with a new pattern designation.............MTP came in 2011-ish......... I have a fitting document for the OG 1990 issue...........same would apply for DPM..........here's a few sample pages.......document is 13 pages of A4 and I have neither the time nor resources to copy atm..........:-(

As mentioned, Ebay the best bet Frank or the smaller military shows in the UK where they still turn up on occasions.... Unfortunately, I rarely part with anything........

Hi Ron......a brave undertaking ! Has Jan confirmed your engine number as being one of the experimental WD versions...? And do we know how it ended up in Tasmania ?!!! Were the barrel and cylinder head originally cast in aluminium alloy for weight reduction ? Also, the flywheels lightened....Looking at the period images the head and barrel look to be aluminium.....? I'm drawing comparisons here with the 250cc Matchless and 350cc Norton of the same era.............this is before economies began to bite affecting even prototype development...........

I suppose it was only a matter of time before the venerable MK3 green RAF Cold Weather flying jacket was replaced by the MK4 version.............the former issue (with various modifications) serving from 1969 (in green) through to at least 2012........prior to that a similar version served for a couple of years in blue-grey............. Essentially the same garment........but now a more vivid grey-green stiffer "canvas" type fabric which is fire-resistant (the previous fabric being high-quality 100% cotton gabardine in either grey-olive, olive green or blue-grey fabric, non - FR), completely lined in black Goretex fabric................design overall however, hasn't altered, nor have the matching trousers.........flying suits have been in this colour for the last few years so logical that the cold weather kit would follow............. Very few of the new type on the market atm........this example in a size 7 is new.............

Chaps, photos are all jumbled up to this site as not playing ball........message/post if you need confirmation of anything shown.........

Other images include the tan-coloured (padded arm) 1st Generation MTP UBAC shirt, the next issue with a greener body, more tailored fit and no sleeve padding but drain holes and velcro pockets for such to be added if necessary.......other UBAC shown is the MTP FR Aircrew issue.....different sleeve pocket and padding arrangement, FR material, plus softer, lighter FR fabric body.......... Not shown here are the first-issue late-2000's DPM Woodland UBAC nor the equivalent desert issue......plus the all-black MoD Police issue........:undecided:

It was a standardised late-1990s thing...........the trial CS95 gear didn't feature it......later production did........earliest pre-90s use was by UK Forces on arctic deployments............. Realistically.....? Late 1990's.........well after GW1 and possibly GW2 too..............

I've owned many M20s and Matchless models, but nowadays am happy with my 16H Norton (fast and light for a 500cc sidevalve that handles very well) and my Ariel W/NG 350 that again is slightly unusual, runs and handles very well............these, apart from a brace of WW2 Airborne Lightweights including James ML and Royal Enfield Flying Flea for my stable today...........a pretty good balance methinks..........