'Exploring the Italian countryside....'


Photo from the Webmaster's Collection

An Officer and a Technical Sergeant have both taken a WLA for a spin around the Italian Countryside during the later part of the war in Europe.
The NCO rides a Type III, while the Officer has a Type IV. Both bikes bear traces of heavy use showing several dents and scratches. Both bikes lack the Black Out Driving Light.
This pictures allows for easy comparison between the high and low type Ammo Boxes on the front forks.

Since the men don't have any insignia and the bikes' fenders are not marked, the unit remains unclear.
The only markings on the bikes are the white stars with interrupted white circle, rather typical for units in Italy.

Private Joseph L. Bennett astride a Type I 41WLA at Fort Lewis, WA, late in 1942.
On September 22nd , 1942, he was selected to be a special motorcycle escort to President F. D. Roosevelt when the President visited Fort Lewis. He later became a Second Lieutenant and was awarded a Bronze Star.
He wears the standard M1941 Field Jacket with wool Breeches and Cavalry Riding Boots.

The longer forks and the extensions between the front mudguard and forks on the 41WLA are clearly visible, as well as the early pattern luggage rack, unique to the 41WLA.
The bike is equipped with a buddy seat and the large 1941 windshield.

      
Private image from Ken Bonacorso

'Stateside Manoeuvres' 1941-42....

Sylvester Bonacorso rides his Type II 41WLA as a US Army Messenger during Army Manoeuvres early in WW2.
This image offers a good view of the 41WLA and its features.Of special interest are the long front forks, high mounted headlight, louvre style early Black Out fender light, early rear luggage carrier and wide handlebars....

Pvt Bonacorso wears the complete wool Service Uniform with Service Shoes and Leggins. Goggles are the Polaroid All Purpose Type, worn with an unidentified piece of headgear.
Armament consists of a .45Cal M1911A1 Pistol worn attached to the M1936 Pistol Belt.

In the background is a GMC 2 1/2 Ton Truck.

Un unidentified GI rides his motorcycle over a floating bridge during training. Engineers are in the water holding the bridge.

The motorcycle appears to be a Type I 42WLA with high mounted headlight. The horn has the early cover with Harley-Davidson logo.
A plaque with a tactical sign or Bridge Class number is attached to the front fender behind the Black Out marker light.
The front fender has markings of an Army Engineer unit.

'Training in the USA'

This superb color image shows a GI taking aim with his Thompson M1928A1 SMG behind his WLA during an exercise in 1942.

He wears the HBT uniform with Hawley Fiber M1 helmet liner. An M1 Dust Respirator is barely visible on his left cheek. The goggles are the M1938 Resistal type.
The Submachinegun has the 50-Rd magazine fitted and the Lyman rear sight is flipped upwards.

The motorcycle is a Type II 42WLA identified by the bicycle type starter pedal and low headlight. Note the chafed side of the saddle, despite the three rivets. The paint on the handlebar grip has nearly completely worn off from extensive use.
Of interest are the cadmium plated nuts on the horn electrical connection screws.
Also note the total absence of markings.

A young Officer poses on a WLA Motorcycle during training at the Armored Force School at Fort Knox, Kentucky, early in the war.

The wear of rank insignia on the shirt's epaulettes shows this photo was taken somewhere before Mid-1942. After that Officers wore their rank isignia on the shirt's collar.
 The uniform consists of the summer tan shirt and trousers with low-quarter shoes.

The bike is a Type II 42WLA, equipped with the first pattern round Air Filter. The star on the gas tank seems to be painted in an off-white color, or maybe even yellow. The marking of the Armored Force School (AFS) is painted in black inside the star, common to the vehicles of the AFS at that period. The gas tank also bears the marking 'MONEY'.
The license plate is attached to the rear fender bracket.
 This photo gives a clear view of the Cadmium plated finish on some parts, bolts and nuts of the Type II bike.
Today the Armor Force School is still located at Fort Knox and is home to the Patton Museum!
Note the unusual trailer in the background!

'Ride Out!'

Two GI's on their rides, somewhere in the US.

Bikes are either Type II or III 42WLA. No markings at all are visible.

Note the rather casual summer tan uniforms worn by both men: rolled up sleeves and a variety of headgear, rank insignia and shoes. The Corporal on the left wears a leather 'kidney' belt for additional support.

'Motorcycle Patrol'


Photo from the Webmaster's Collection

Military Policemen on Type II 42WLA's patrol a US Army Camp during WW2.
Both bikes are equipped with Legshields and leatherette Windshield Aprons.
Note the Good-Year Motorcycle Sport Special tires fitted to both motorcycles.

Both GI's are wearing the wool Service Uniform, with an MP Brassard barely visible on the rider on the left, and carry a M1928A1 Thompson Submachinegun on the right shoulder. The SMG Brackets do not hold the leather scabbards for the guns.

'A Day out on our Bikes' (US)'


Photo from the Webmaster's Collection

Three Military Policemen have parked their motorcycles somewhere along the road to pose and get themselves photographed on their rides....
All bikes seem to be Type II 42WLA's with leatherette windshields and all have legshields attached. Note the chrome (civilian stock?) horn cover on the middle bike and the tan handlebar grips on the right one. Two bikes have a plaque attached to the front fender with the letters 'MP' painted on it. Only one bike has unit markings stencilled on both windshield and front fender. Markings are '3*833 (or maybe 855?)GS over I' which indicates the vehicles are from the 833 General Supply Company attached to the 3rd Army Air Force. Why these MP bikes are not marked to an MP unit remains a mystery.

The above images show the MP's posing with the bikes. Two of them wear breeches with high laced riding boots and all have the leather Military Police equipment under their jackets, M1941 Field Jacket in the middle with the other two wearing Mackinaw coats. Note the gloves on the GI in the middle.
Of special interest are the variety of handguns and holsters, as the different headgear worn by these riders.
The bicyle-type kickstarter pedals, clearly visible on the bikes, indicate Type II 42WLA's........
All above indicates the images were taken 1942.......

'Somewhere in the 'Zone of the Interior' (US)'


Photo from the Webmaster's Collection

An MP proudly poses between several WLA bikes at a US Army Camp during WW2.

The bikes all seem to be either Type II or III which could indicate the photo was taken in 1943. All motorcycles are equipped with red pursuit lights and legshields. Note the bicycle type starter pedal on the 2nd bike from the left (Type II) and the white painted oil pump on the 3rd bike from the left. Only one bike is marked and allows us to identify the unit.
The marking III-X   203P-1 is applied on both windshield and front fender and indicates the 1st vehicle of the 203rd Military Police Company attached to 3rd Corps HQ.
The 203rd MP Co was formed in California in 1942 and was attached to III Corps and stationed at Fort McPherson, Georgia and then Camp Forrest, Tennessee before being attached to V Corps in September of 1943. In January of 1944 the 203rd was attached to First Army, after arriving in England through Glasgow, Scotland. Although not part of the assault force, the 203rd would land at Omaha beach in July of 1944 to serve with the 12th Army Group, where its primary missions included VIP protection and traffic management.

The Military Policeman wears the standard Wool Service Uniform with leather belt and shoulder strap supporting the .45Cal Pistol holster. Other MP equipment consists of an MP brassard, brass whistle and the rather rare Military Police Patrolman badge...!

'Military Police Patrolman'

Standing next to his ride, a Military Policeman poses for a photograph, somewhere in the ZI.
(Zone of the Interior i.e. the US).

The WLA most probably is a Type II as it is equipped with the bicycle style kick starter pedal, although the parkerised circuit breaker cover could indicate a very early production Type III. The US Army license plate is just visible underneath the rear lights.

The summer tan uniform is worn in combination with a wool service hat fitted with a white chinstrap. The leather belt is supported by a shoulder strap and probably holds a .45Cal pistol.
The MP Patrolman badge is worn on the left shirt pocket. These badges seem to have only been worn in the Continental US.

  
Photo from the Webmaster's Collection

'Somewhere in North-Africa.....'

Pfc Carson Jones poses for the camera astride a WLA in North Africa,
probably in early 1943.

 He wears the standard M1941 wool uniform and wear of the helmet liner only suggests this photo was taken in a rest area. Note the brand new M10 Tank Destroyers on the left.

The motorcycle is a Type II 42WLA, evidenced by the bicycle type kick starter pedal.
The three re-inforcing rivets on the saddle are plainly visible and a name has been painted on the oil tank (xxxxx-Centralie), the meaning of which remains a mystery.…

'Old Ironsides'

A T4 of the 1st Armored Division 'Old Ironsides' poses on his ride, nicknamed 'Rosalie II'.
The US Army Registration Number 627327 tells us this is a Type III 42WLA, made near the end of 1942. So this picture was probably taken in North Africa where the 1AD saw action in the first half of 1943.

The WLA is marked as the 5th vehicle of the 1st Armored Regiment's Reconnaissance Squadron of the 1st Armored Division (1/\1/\R5). At this point the 1AD was still a 'Heavy' Amored Division and would only change to a 'Light' AD on September 15th, 1943.

The rider has attached a metal box above the rear lights and has turned the lights 90° in doing so. The US Army License Plate showing the USA number without a 'W' is clearly visible. The bicycle style kick starter pedal and parkerised circuit breaker cover are typical for an early to  mid-production Type III.

'Over There...........'


Photo from the Webmaster's Collection

Pfc John W Gilbert, ASN17128615, poses on a WLA motorcycle in England ca 1943.....

Gilbert wears the wool Service Uniform. The jacket is the early type with bi-swing back and belt hooks. He has the Army Service Forces insignia on the left shoulder and the Pfc stripe is just visible above the felt MP brassard. The leather Garrison Belt is worn with the Military Police shoulder strap and no doubt supports a .45Cal Pistol holster. Shoes are the Type II Service Shoe.

The motorcycle is a Type III 42WLA in what looks like brandnew condition. The leatherette windshield is mounted very high and the headlight is blacked out.
The Firestone Sportsman Tires are clearly visible.
The markings on the front fender are partially visible and are ???783P    ????HQ12 which show the bike belongs to the 783rd Military Police Battalion.
C Company of the 783rd landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day, with the remainder of the Battalion arriving in France on June 10th, 1944.
Later in 1944, the 783rd MP Bn controlled traffic on the famous 'Red Ball Express' supply route....
The above image was developed by Alfred Bonheur, a British photographer, who had his shop in Bedminster, Bristol; the area where the 783rd was stationed in 1943-1944....

'Preparing Overlord......'


US Army Signal Corps Photo/National Archives

May 1944, at dawn GI's from the 101st Airborne Division's Divisional Headquarters mount WLA motorcycles they have just unloaded from a British made Horsa Glider during a pre-Normandy Invasion exercise in England.

Troopers all wear M1941 uniforms with Parachute Jump Boots. The rider in the foreground still retains his B4 Life Preserver.

Motorcycles are either Type III, IV or early Type V 42WLA's. The NCO on the left carries his M1A1 Folding Stock Carbine in its canvas scabbard in the motorcycle's bracket.
Note the absence of both legshields and windshield on all bikes.....

'Rough Riders'


Photo from the Webmaster's Collection

Invasion Training continues with Military Policemen riding on difficult terrain in England on May 6th 1944.
Many parts of the bikes have been highlighted in white for better visibility in Black-Out conditions.
Note the tire pump on top of the rear safety bars on the bike on the right.

The markings on the bikes' front fenders have been censored on the original photograph, but the MP brassards worn by the riders identify them as such. Uniforms worn consist of wool riding breeches with high top Cavalry style boots, shirts and ties(!) and M1941 Field Jackets. The leather caps appear to be RAF Flying Helmets worn with American Optical Goggles. Side-arms are carried in leather holsters attached to the leather Garrison Belt and Shoulder Strap. Note the pistol lanyard worn by the rider in the center.

A short movie was shot the same day, visible here: CLICK

'Determined Rider'


Photo from the Webmaster's Collection

This picture shows us a determined rider on what appears to be a Type IV 42WLA.

The angle of the photograph gives a clear view on the tires and skid plate.

It is not clear where or when the picture was taken and the markings are not clear either....

'Crossing the Channel'


US Army Signal Corps Photo via Dave Thomas

Men and vehicles from the 3rd Armored Division are ferried across the English Channel to Normandy, late June 1944.
The deck of the transport ship is packed with vehicles and at least 4 WLA motorcycles are visible in the photo. The bikes belong to Divisional Headquarters as indicated by the markings on the front fenders (3/\-X  HQ48). Also visible are the three-color and five-digit invasion codes painted above the unit markings.
Weapons have been wrapped in canvas cases to protect them from the salty splash at sea. What looks like a M1935 Waterproof Bedding Roll is strapped to the luggage rack of the Type III WLA in the middle; with a lightweight gas mask bag slung from the windshield.

'SHAEF Messengers'


Photo from the Webmaster's Collection

Lt Clawson, in charge of the SHAEF dispatch riders, gives them their final orders before sending them off to the coast to pick up the latest news from the boats coming back from the Normandy beaches in order to relay it to Headquarters following the June 6th 1944 landings.

All but one are American GI's wearing the wool Service Uniform and riding WLA motorcycles.
The second rider is a British soldier of the Royal Corps of Signals and rides an Indian Model 741B, delivered to Britain thru Lend-Lease. All wear British DR Helmets and British DR style blue and white armbands.

All headlights have been removed and replaced by Black-Out Lights. No arms are carried.

'Information Point'


Photo from the Webmaster's Collection

This picture taken by a British War Correspondent shows an Information Point from the British XXXth Corps at the Railway Station of Bayeux, Normandy in early July 1944.
MP's of the 113th Provost Company are giving directions to a Lieutenant of the British 7th Armoured Division (Desert Rats), while a US Army messenger awaits his turn, leaning casually on his Harley's handlebars.

The bike is a Type III 42WLA with its front fender marked  3/\36-I over 2HQ-34. This indicates the 34th vehicle of HQ 2nd Battalion, 36th Armored Infantry Regiment of the 3rd Armored Division.
Binoculars are attached to the headlight bracket and an M1 Carbine is carried in the leather scabbard.
Some kind of metal box has been attached under the saddle, just above the battery box.

The GI wears the typical wool uniform of the period, with Polaroid All-Purpose goggles around the neck.
His waist is protected by a leather kidney belt and the pommel of an M3 Trench Knife is just visible on his right hip. Footwear consists of Paratrooper Jump boots.

'Damn It, Use Signals!!'


US Army Signal Corps Photo / Webmaster's Collection

Private Roy Zimmerman of Wood River, Illinois, supervises US Army military traffic near St Lo, Normandy, France on July 27th, 1944. Zimmerman was a Military Policeman in the 507th Military Police Battalion, and wears the typical uniform of the period. Note the leather gloves, American Optical sunglasses and Tanker's Helmet with MP markings.
He carries an M1 Carbine in the submachinegun scabbard on the front forks.....
The motorcycle is a typical example of a Type III 42WLA, identified by the Black-Out driving light, the rectangular air filter, 'high' ammo box and unpainted motor and cylinder heads.
Note the position of the star behind the shifter gate on the gas tank. A M1928 Meat Can pouch is attached to the rear fender.
The first pattern tire pump is secured atop the rear fork. Interestingly the holes in the legshield bracket are plugged with parkerized mounting bolts.
The headlight has been subdued or painted over to avoid sunlight glare...
The tread on the Firestone Sportsman 400-18 tires is clearly visible on the front wheel..........

 In the background is a Jeep with a .50 Cal Machinegun, next to a Dodge WC-54 Ambulance. The 'DAMN IT USE SIGNALS' sign seems to be made out of carton and is hung up by a piece of string. A US Army censor has prepared the photo for censoring with a red pen.......

 
US Army Signal Corps Photo via Dave Thomas

'French Summer of '44.....'

This fantastic image shows Pvt Robert J Vance, from Portland, Oregon, riding his bike as a messenger of the 33rd Armored Regiment of the 3rd Armored Division in the fields of Normandy in late July, 1944.

He wears wool trousers and shirt and headgear consists of the Tanker’s helmet. A 3rd AD decal is applied to the front of the helmet. Goggles are the M1943 type. His Lightweight Gas Mask Bag and M3 Binoculars in their M17 Leather Case are attached to the front forks and handlebars. An M1 Carbine is carried in the leather scabbard. Ammo pouches for the carbine are visible on the carbine stock and on the M1936 Pistol Belt. A (British?) shovel is carried between the leather straps of the rear saddle bag….

The bike is a Type IV or early Type V, identified by the low Ammo Box and first pattern front fender. The Army censor has obscured the Regimental markings but the 33rd Armored Regt was part of the 3rd AD. Markings indicate the 22nd Vehicle of the 33rd Armored Regt of the 3rd Armored Division
(3/\33/\ HQ22)…
The three colored codebar and unit number 42895 are also visible on the front fender. Each unit was identified by such number for the Normandy landings, but the code has not been broken to this day….
The shipping dates are painted on the Ammo Box.

Even in the hot summer weather, the legshields are attached to the motorcycle…. Tire is a Good Year Motorcycle Sport Special pattern…

'Maintenance'


US Army Signal Corps Photo via Dave Thomas

Liberator-Riders of the 2nd Armored Division perform basic maintenance on their bikes in a French field in the summer of 1944. These GI's sport a variety of uniforms and equipment: HBT one-piece suit on the left, winter combat jackets (aka Tanker Jackets) on the guys in the middle and wool od shirt on the right. Note the variety of headgear and goggles: Polaroid All Purpose, American Optical and Resistal M1938 types..... The trooper working on the left bike carries a M1918 Trench Knife in a leather scabbard.
The bike on the left has a .30 Cal Ammo can attached to the rear fender underneath the saddle and has the US Army registration number painted in white 1" letters under the rear lights. A large mudflap is attached to the rear fender and the name 'TUB' is painted on the oil tank.
The center motorcycle carries what looks like a M1917 Mounted Canteen Cover on the Submachinegun scabbard bracket, while the WLA on the right has the short rear view mirror bracket without the extension used with the windshield. Both have had the headlight subdued.
The high position of the Ammo Boxes on these two bikes would indicate these to be Type III 42WLA's.
In the background is a radio-equipped Jeep next to a 'pup' tent and some laundry drying on the left.

'Preparing for Evening Colors'


Photo from the Webmaster's Collection

In Oran, Algeria, American Troops march through the streets in preparation for Evening Colors.
An Army band plays on the sidewalk and the Troops are escorted by Pfc Gates on a WLA.

The date of the picture is not clear and the M1944 Goggles worn by the rider suggest the picture was taken late in WW2, unless the Goggles are the USAAF B8 style which were issued earlier.
The crash helmet is the British Dispatch Rider Model.

The high Ammo Box and lack of BO Drive light could indicate a Type II bike or early Type III.
A rear view mirror from a Jeep has been mounted on he handlebars and a small shroud added to the headlight.
Tires fitted to the bike are the Good Year Motorcycle Sport Special type.
Parts of the bike have been highlighted with white paint and the motorcycle is marked on both front fender and windshield apron as follows: MBS 6685P  X21
This indicates the 21st vehicle of the 6685th Military Police Traffic Platoon (Provisional) attached to the Mediterranean Base Section.

Photo from the Webmaster's Collection

'Me and my WLA........'

An unidentified Sgt poses next to a WLA from a Military Police unit.

The bike is a another Type IV or early Type V, identified by the low Ammo Box and first pattern front fender. A red light has been mounted on the front fork next to the horn. The legshield bracket is barely visible between the Ammo Box and the front crashbar. The windshield seems to be leatherette, which indicates the bike is 42WLA42000 or lower.....

Markings consist of the MP marking on the windshield and stars on front fender and tanks. The other marking on the fender is illisible, as is the marking on the windshield above 'Military police'.....
Note the star on the fender is painted in a colored circle

The painted headlight and the right-hand side mounted rear view mirror suggest this photo was taken in Great-Britain in 1944.......

'Yanks and a Limey in France'


US Army Signal Corps Photo/National Archives

At Pacy-Sur-Eure, France, American and British troops meet on August 27th, 1944. US Army Officers discuss the situation on the pavement while Cpl Gordon C Powell of the 82nd Armored Reconnaissance Battalion poses next to British XXX Corps Dispatch Rider Baltins Dogoughs. Dogoughs rides a Norton 16H with missing front fender and has picked up a German MP40 Submachinegun along the way. He wears standard infantry trousers, shoes and helmet instead of the special motorcyclist's gear.
Powell's riding a Type IV or early Type V 42WLA, evidenced by the low Ammo Box and first pattern front fender. A M1903 Springfield rifle is carried in a leather scabbard on the front forks. Ammo for this rifle is held in a M1923 Cartridge Belt. A standard M1 helmet is slung over the headlight. Other equipment, possibly a M-238 Flag Set, is carried on the rifle scabbard. Powell's uniform consists of the 2-piece camouflaged HBT suit worn for a short period in France by units of the 2nd Armored Division and unidentified headgear and goggles.
Markings on the front fender are 2/\-82R HQ83, which would indicate 83rd vehicle of HQ Company, 82nd Reconnaissance Bn of the 2nd Armored Division. A star is painted to the front of the gas tank.

'Preparing for War'...

   
Photos from the Webmaster's Collection

 A group of unidentified GI's pose for a photo during training in Louisiana in 1944.

The bike is a standard Type III 42WLA with a Thompson Sub Machinegun carried in the scabbard on the front forks, together with a map of the area.
The rider wears a camouflaged HBT (Herringbone Twill) uniform.
Visible insignia cannot be identified, not on the bike's fender and not on the overcoat worn by the GI on the right.

Photo from the Webmaster's Collection

'Top Kick In the ETO.....'

Somewhere in the European Theater of Operations, a Company First Sergeant poses on the unit's Harley....

The bike appears to be a Type IV or early Type V 42WLA with low Ammo Box and first pattern front fender....
Note the amount of white painted parts on the bike, no doubt to make it more visible in the dark.

The NCO wears the typical WW2 wool uniform, with his 1Sgt rank insignia barely visible on his shirt sleeves…

'Army Air Forces in England'


Photo from the Webmaster's Collection

A Corporal of the US Army Air Forces poses on a Type III 42WLA in use at a USAAF Airfield in England during WW2. The bike's in front of a 'Nissen' Hut, typical for the US Airfields in Britain in WW2. The sign on the wall says: 'Reserved Commanding Officer' and a bicycle rests against the right side of the building.
The motorcycle bears no unit insignia but parts of the bike have been painted white to make it more visible during those dark British Black Out nights..... These parts include front and rear fender lip, front and rear crash bars, legshields and the Black Out Marker Light front cover.
The rear view mirror has been mounted on the right side of the handlebars for better view during British left hand side driving and side skirts have been added to the front fender.......

'Patrolling the Airfield'

An unidentified Military Policeman patrols the American Airfield at North Pickenham, England during WW2.

The WLA is a Type IV or early Type V 42WLA with low Ammo Box and first pattern front fender. The headlights lens has been painted OD.
Both the windshield apron and fender bear markings identifying the bike to the 1261st MP Company attached to the 492Bomb Group (Heavy) stationed at North Pickenham.
(8*1261MP)
The 'S' on the near side of the dash cover has been painted over in white paint and is easily visible

The rider wears the Winter Service Uniform of wool trousers and jacket with leather and wool gloves.
Specific MP equipment consists of leather belt and shoulder strap supporting the .45 pistol in its holster and white leggins.
The shoulder sleeve insignia of the Army Air Forces is worn on the left shoulder.

Photo from the Webmaster's Collection

'Somewhere in the ETO'

    
Photos from the Webmaster's Collection

The two images above show two GI's posing on a WLA motorcycle, somewhere in the ETO. The bike has some interesting features. The painted engine crankcase, low ammo box and first pattern front fender all identify it as a Type IV 42WLA.
The Army Serial Number seems to be USA 687016,  which confirms the model.
A cigar-smoking face-mask has been attached to the headlight and oddly, an M2 Chemical Decontaminator is attached to the rear crash bar.
Markings include two recognition stars (one with circle on the front fender and another on top of the luggage rack) and in compliance with Army Regulations of unit markings in theaters of operations; only the Company and Vehicle number is visible on the front fender (A9). The larger unit is identified by the three-color bar code and 5-digit number (45178) on the Ammo-Box, a code which hasn't been broken to this day...
Instead of the common Thompson SubmachineGun scabbard, an M1 leather rifle scabbard is slit into the holder, containing the famous M1 'Garand' rifle.
A cloth bandoleer holding six 8-round Ammo clips is slung around the windshield.
Both GI's wear typical uniforms of the European Campaign: wool trousers and shirt, worn with Service Shoes, and with M1941 Field Jacket, M1938 Leggins and M1 Helmet on the left. The rider on the left image wears Army Regulation Spectacles, probably made by American Optical.

'Hot Summer Sun'

Sgt Larry Nolan poses on his ride under a hot summer sun. The location of the photograph is not known but the vegetation and rocky surface would suggest this photo was taken somewhere in the ETO. The photo was taken by a member of the 34th Armored Battalion of the 5th Armored Division. This Division went all thru France in the summer of 1944.
The temperature looks very high and Nolan only wears HBT fatigues.

The bike is most probably a Type IV or early Type V; the low ammo box is just visible between the first pattern front fender and front tire. Markings on the front fender are not quite clear but the top number is a '3' with '918??' underneath.
If the '3' indicates the 3rd US Army, it confirms the photo was taken in central France.

'Chalons-Sur-Marne, 1944....'


Photo from the Webmaster's Collection

US Army vehicles pass through a devastated Chalons-Sur-Marne. The French city, located just South-East of Reims, was liberated in late August 1944. The markings 3A-44?? on the trailer's left fender indicate a unit attached to the 3rd US-Army under General Patton.
Two Military Policemen are riding their WLA motorcycles in the column. Note the License Plate attached to the bracket on the WLA on the left.... Both MP's are wearing the standard uniform composed of wool trousers and M1941 Field Jackets. Equipment is very light; only Pistol Belts with Canteens and First Aid Pouches are worn. Only one of the riders seems to have the MP brassard. Although not very clear, it seems they are both equipped with British motorcycle helmets.
The photo was taken from a Jeep; the top of the windshield is just visible..... Note the Jeep is equipped with Trico Vacuum Windshield Wipers, available in limited quantities in 1944.

Photo from the Webmaster's Collection

'Company First Sergeant....'

The scenery in the background being typical for the French or Belgian countryside, this picture was probably taken in Northern France or Belgium around August/September 1944.

The bike is a Type II 42WLA with bicycle style kick starter and no Black Out Driving light.....
The leather saddle bags are fully packed. A tent roll and map case are strapped to the rear fender just under the saddle.
A Wire Cutter has been improvised on the front forks, a rather unusual feature on a motorcycle and more common on Jeeps in the ETO.
A leather flap has been added to the rear fender.

Although the markings are not clear, they show the bike probably belonged to Co A/817th Tank Destroyer Battalion, attached to the 3rd US Army at the end of August 1944
(3A-817TD A15)
Other interesting marking is the color coded invasion number on the oil tank.

The NCO wears the standard WW2 wool uniform, with paratrooper jump boots...

A local boy stands in the background, in front of what could be the local cemetery.

'9th US Army Air Force...'

Once parts of France had been liberated following the Normandy invasion, units of the 9th USAAF moved to the continent to fly missions from often makeshift airfields.
The picture seems to have been taken on a temporary base, evidenced by the presence of PSP (Pierced Steel Planking) to stabilise the ground.
The absence of leaves on the trees in the background suggests the picture was taken late in 1944.

This Type IV or early Type V 42WLA is marked to the 40th Support Command of the 9th US Air Force (9*40th S.C.).
An extra Black Out light has been added to the front.

The rider wears a pair of flying sunglasses.

'Aachen, Fall 1944...'

A WLA rider stands next to his ride as other GI's pose for the camera with the bike.
The picture was taken in Aachen, one of the first German cities to be captured by the US Army in the fall of 1944.

An M1938 Dispatch Case is slung from the leather gun scabbard on what appears to be a Type III 42WLA.

The rider is clad in typical winter garb for Armored crews, including the much coveted Tanker's Jacket and matching bib trousers, along with assorted headgear and M1938 Resistal Goggles.

A hastily camouflaged Half Track is parked in the background.

'Adjusting the Front Brake'


US Army Signal Corps Photo / Webmaster's Collection

The photo above showing superb detail was taken on November 6th, 1944 by J.A. Demarco, Det E of the 165th Photo Signal Company attached to the US 1st Army in France.
Demarco typed the following caption on the back of the picture:
"Adjusting bearings of cycle is Tec 5 Charles W. Leazer, of So. Shaftsbury, VT, left, while rider, Pfc. Jack R. Rudeen, of Minneapolis, Minn, watches right. Tec 5 James W. McGriffin, of Kansas City, MO., stands in rear."

Although the bike is covered in mud and dust, there are some great details to be seen.
It's an early Type V 42WLA, evidenced by the first pattern front fender and steel carburetor inlet connector.
The blue-drab 'S' is visible on the dash cover and the headlight lens is covered with a canvas part.
A .30 Cal Ammo case is used to hold up the bike under the skidplate.
'NO RANK' has been painted as a nickname on the gas tank.

 Even at this late stage of the war, the GI's show a mix of early pattern uniforms, mixing HBT and wools with M1941 and Tanker's Jackets.
The motorcycle rider on the right has closed the holes in the crown of his tanker's helmet with tape, no doubt to keep his head warmer in the chilly European fall weather.......

Private photo via Thierry Debruyn

'Snow.....'

Posing on a 42WLA during winter 1944-1945 near the Belgian/German border is Guy Shoaf who participated in all campaigns of the ETO as a member of the 2nd Ranger Battalion. With Company F he was one of the first men to reach the top of the Pointe du Hoc on D-Day.

The bike is a bit of an oddity. It has the headlight in the high position as on a Type I 42WLA, but the makeshift headlight bracket and (German?) horn suggest the light was moved upwards by the unit mechanics.
There are no visible features to tell exactly what type this is.

Markings are limited to 2RNGR, indicating a vehicle of the 2nd Ranger Battalion. Ranger Battalions were issued 6 motorcycles for messenger duty during WW2.

Shoaf wear winter garb with a Tanker's Jacket and either has paratrooper boots or overshoes. He seems to be holding a Thompson Submachine Gun.

'Slippery Riding.....'

A messenger takes on a muddy road in a German forrest in early 1945.
Even in this late stage of the war, he still wears the M1941 Field Jacket and he has a pair of M1944 Goggles on the Tanker's Helmet. Note the tan scarf around his neck.....
He carries an M1 Carbine on his back and there's no leather scabbard in the front fork holder. A bedding roll is strapped to the rear luggage rack.

The motorcycle is a Type IV or early Type V 42WLA with low Ammo Box and first pattern front fender. Although no windshield is mounted, the fork spring guard is attached to the handlebars just behind the horn. Note the fuel valve rod is pulled up in the reserve position..!!
The motorcycle is marked as the 59th vehicle of the 6th Cavalry Group attached to the 3rd US Army
 ( 3A-6C GP-59 )

 
Photo from the Webmaster's Collection

'The Chief...'

Lieutenant Halsey S HAYS stands between two WLA's, somewhere in Europe in 1944.

Both bikes have white markings on the front fender and one bike has had its windshield apron painted white and marked 'POLICE' and 'CHIEF', referring perhaps to this Officer.
A 6-Volt 'Victory' siren has been mounted on top of the headlight and horn bracket of the bike. These sirens were generally mounted on armored vehicles.

Lt HAYS wears a leather Air Force Type A-2 Flying Jacket in combination with tan (pink) trousers and Parachute Jump Boots.

'La Bella Italia....'


Photo from the Webmaster's Collection

Both WLA's shown above are marked to HQ, 10 Port Battalion attached to the Peninsular Base Section (PBS). The PBS was a large organisation which controlled the ports of Naples and Leghorn (Livorno) and the rest of occupied Italy during the later stage of WW2.

Both windshields and fenders have been painted white for better visiblity. The bike on the left with first pattern front fender is either a Type II or III. The WLA on the right has the second pattern fornt fender with high Ammo Box which indicates parts have been mixed.

Both GI's probably belong to the Maintenance & Repair Section (M&R) of the above mentioned unit and their bikes provided a rapid means of transport from one place to another. They both wear light HBT uniforms.

'Motorpool Harley'


Photo from the Webmaster's Collection

This WLA without Ammo Box and Scabbard Carrier has a slightly damaged front fender.
Where and when the picture was taken is not clear, but the Jeep in the background is from a 1943 contract, so the photo was taken in the second half of the war in what looks like a unit's motorpool.
Jeeps, Dodge and GMC Trucks are all visible in the picture and another GI is working on the Dodge 6x6.
The Jeep and WLA are both marked to a PWR unit, but it is not clear what that means.
PWR is not mentioned in the Army Regulations. Could it have something to do with Prisoner of War Camps?

'CBI Theater op Operations'

The use of the WLA was not restricted to the European Theater of Operations as shown by this T5 wearing a CBI Theater (China-Burma-India) Patch on his summer uniform shirt.

The motorcycle is a straight from the line early Type V with first pattern front fender and steel carburetor inlet tube.
Markings are very basic and consist only of an MP stencil on the front fender and the words 'Military Police' stenciled on the windshield apron.
Note the legshield brackets and rather odd handlebar grips.
The front tire seems a Good Year Motorcycle Sport Special.

Place and date of this picture and the identity of the rider remain unknown.

Photo from the Webmaster's Collection

Private photo via Alain S Batens

'Germany, 1945'

A Ranger of the 2nd Battalion rides his Type III 42WLA thru pre-war built German Army barracks in the spring of 1945.
This GI wears the standard uniform consisting of  Service Shoes, M1938 Leggins, wool trousers and shirt and an Armored Force's Winter Combat Helmet with American Optical goggles.

Contrary to the 2nd Rangers' bike shown above, this one is marked to the 2nd Ranger Battalion attached to 12th Army Group (12AGP  2-RNGR), again with no specific subunit specified.
A star is painted on the side of the gas tank.
The Black Out driving light has had its shield removed and the sunburst horn, found on most military models, has been replaced by the type carrying the HD logo.
It is not clear what is attached to the Submachinegun bracket. It could be an electric siren......
Tires are Good Year 'G3' Deluxe All Weather type. This type is available from the Coker Tire Company 'Here' and is correct for restorations....

'Harleys and Scout Cars'


Photo from the Webmaster's Collection

This is actually a cropped postcard showing a Military Police unit with 14 WLA's and Scout Cars.
The landscape and the fact that the postcard was printed on AGFA photopaper lead me to believe this picture was taken somewhere in Europe during WW2.
Note the variation of white painted parts and MP markings. It seems white stars are painted on all front fenders.
Some bikes have their headlights removed while others have pursuit lights added.

This is 'Tanks in Town' 1944 style......

'The end is near...'

Near the end of the war in Europe, a Military Policeman of the 804th MP Company attached to the US VIIth Corps sits on his Type III 42WLA in Germany in the spring sun of early 1945.

The insignia of the VIIth Corps is painted on both helmet and windshield apron. The fender markings are VII-X above 804P-8 indicating the 8th vehicle of the Company. Other parts of the bike have been highlighted in white and skirts have been added to the front fender. Legshields are attached to the frame.

The rider wears the Arctic Field Jacket, even at this late stage of the war. He holds a pair of sunglasses in his hands. A rifle or Carbine, protected by a canvas cover, is kept in the leather scabbard.

The picture was taken along the river Rhine between Bonn and Remagen as indicated by the roadsign indicating the river ferry at Rolandseck (Fähre Rolandseck).

'Sightseeing in Italy...'

Somewhere in Italy a GI is taking pictures.

A Type IV 42WLA has been parked on the side of the road and the varied and striking markings lead us to believe this picture was taken after the end of hostilities.
Multiple stars, along with the US 5th Army insignia, adorn the windshield and the front fender, the latter also bearing the following marking: 5A-101-P  C-5 (5th vehicle, 101st MP Battalion attached to 5th US Army). The bike has been fitted with two pursuit lights (one bearing the letters 'MP') and an electric siren.
Leg Shields are mounted but no weapon is carried on the front forks.

'Ordnancemen policing the Reims area'

                  
Photos from the Webmaster's Collection

At the end of WW2, many GI's passed thru Camp Brooklyn near Reims, France on their way back to the USA.
The 85th Ordnance Battalion organised a Military Police section to police the area.
The two pictures above show bikes, which are marked OIS above 85-O and Military Police and/or MP to indicate the unit.
The picture on the left was probably taken shortly after the end of hostilities, while the image on the right, taken late 1945, shows how the bikes have been enhanced by white paint.
Note the multitude of lights, horns and sirens on the bikes and the added mudguards on the Jeep on the left.
 Riders on the right wear breeches and Cavalry Boots.

'Me and my Pal'


Photo from the Webmaster's Collection

Two GI's on their bikes somewhere in Europe just after WW2.
The casual look and the lack of arms indicate this photo was taken after hostilities ended.
Whether or not both are Military Policemen is not clear; there are no brassards visible and only one bike is marked MP.

It's not really clear what type of WLA they have, but both have first pattern front fenders. It seems some parts have been taken off and others added. Both are (partially) lacking the Machine Gun carrier and both sport odd headlights which seem smaller than the Guide Cycleray models. The bike on the right is equipped with a British military style rear view mirror of which the glass is already broken.
Although not very clear, it seems the bike on the left has the earlier leatherette windshield apron, with the later canvas model on the right.
Note the different tire patterns.

Both riders wear M1943 field jackets with ties and shirts, and the rider on the right has a 'Combat Unit Patch' on his right sleeve, all indicating again that by now the war is over and they belong to the Occupation Army in Germany.

The November 29th, 1941 issue of the popular Colliers's magazine featured a 4 page article on the 'Toughest Guys in the Army' and showed several WLA's in action.
The article was entitled 'Hell on Wheels' and had images from the 82nd Reconnaissance Battalion.
The cover photo shows a 41WLA with long front fork, high headlight and louvre style black out fender light.
The rider wears the blue denim work suit with Air Corps style headgear and M1938 Resistal goggles.
A Training Gas Mask and a Dust Respirator are attached to the front forks.
His 'side' during the War Games is indicated by pieces of orange cloth on the bike and his arm.

The December 1942 issue of the Harley-Davidson  Enthusiast Magazine featuring another 41WLA on the cover.
The marking consist of a white star marked with the letters AFS in black for Armored Forces School.
The rider is a Company First Sgt, wearing the early war rank insignia with three stripes and only two rockers.

WLA's, in ads for both Firestone and Good Year tires, appeared in 'The Motorcyclist',
a popular MC-riders' magazine, published in the 30's and 40's....
Note the early equipment with M1917A1 'Kelly' helmets and first pattern 'Doughnut' tankers' helmets
 Ads from 1942. 

Left: A midwar ad for Bundy Tubing showing men of the107th Cavalry Regiment on the move in May 1942. Bikes are all Type I 42WLA's with high headlights.
The motorcyclists are followed by Jeeps.
Center: A 1944 ad for Autocar Trucks featuring a USAAF F2 Fuel Trailer Rig escorted by a WLA rider.
Right: Two GI's have a break and a Camel.... One rides a 42WLA, while the other has an Indian 741B, the 'other' US Army motorcycle....
Both riders wear HBT suits and large leather kidney belts and are armed with M1 Carbines.
This ad appeared in January 1945.