Despatch Riders

[Cooper1922]

I am a Re-enactor mainly portraying WW2 and finally finishing my British wartime despatch riders uniform, but DR boots in size 11 are so hard to come by, :/ if anyone knows where i can have them made or has a pair of them, could you please contact me as i have been searching for about 2 years now continuosly, the only break through i made was with Replicators (Sanjay) but ive heard good and bad. Any light on the subject would be much appreciated, any photos or information or equipment of the 56 independant infantry brigade 2nd battalion essex regiment on despatch riders or the regiment, they would be appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[bigshoe]

Send me an e-mail. your p.m. is not engaged.
Tom

 

[Fetters1]

Despatch Rider boots

Hi there,
Your posting about despatch rider gear attracted my attention. Yes, it is difficult to find authentic boots, especially in larger sizes. There’s currently a pair of size eights on E-bay at $125 dollars. I have a pair of nines to sell. This particular pair, like most original Don R boots, were well used in the rain - and this was back in the early Fifties! They are in need of a bath in dubbin and leather softener.
The only bigger pair I own are badly cracked across one upper and the soles are very worn.

Most authentic old-style Don R gear is now practically antique and only suitable for display rather than any heavy action.

I’m interested in the re-enactments you take part in.
My own experience of hanging out with “Don Rs” is detailed in a web page
http://www.houdini-connections.co.uk/4-info/Topics/despatch riders-intro.htm

Feel free to contact me direct via jimstewartUK@BTinternet.com
Jim.
Looks like the previous url is faulty. Later tries also appear with part missing.
Here is text version of the page address.
Despatch rider info is at ...
houdini-connections.co.uk/4-info/Topics/despatch riders-intro.htm (with www. in front of it)

 

[jeep44]

It sure helps if you are small, like me. I was looking at three pairs of DR pantaloons this past weekend-all waist size 30-31. I did pick up a nice MC raincoat (the early double-breasted one) in a wearable size. I already had one,but this one was still soft and flexible-the other one is stiff as a board. I got a pair of the waterproof overtrousers,too, but they are a type I haven't seen before,that do not have the suspender straps on them.
Boots are a problem. I was fortunate to have picked mine up at a local antique motorcycle show, where one vendor was selling them as motocross boots. He also had a pile of DR macs,and I got several of them,too.
This is an old pic of me in some of my gear. What bike are you using in your impression? I have several wartime BSA M20s.

 

[silverfox]

hi i would just like to know how you got on in finding a pair of DR boots as i myself ordered from THE REPLICATORS a pair of size 9s but low and beholed i recieved 11.5 in the mail and i still have them and there taking valuble shoe space

 

[Cooper1922]

Sorry to the late reply to all.

Regarding my despatch rider uniform i did get a pair of original boots but not my size althought i can squeeze them on- bought them purposely to complete the look and put in the collection.

^ To add i have a BSA WM20 - I shall post a picture soon

 

[alden405]

It sure helps if you are small, like me. I was looking at three pairs of DR pantaloons this past weekend-all waist size 30-31. I did pick up a nice MC raincoat (the early double-breasted one) in a wearable size. I already had one,but this one was still soft and flexible-the other one is stiff as a board. I got a pair of the waterproof overtrousers,too, but they are a type I haven't seen before,that do not have the suspender straps on them.
Boots are a problem. I was fortunate to have picked mine up at a local antique motorcycle show, where one vendor was selling them as motocross boots. He also had a pile of DR macs,and I got several of them,too.
This is an old pic of me in some of my gear. What bike are you using in your impression? I have several wartime BSA M20s.

You are cool,restored my faith in the whole living historian/reenacting thing

 

[silverfox]

well mate as i carn,t wear them do you want the dr boots

 

[Cooper1922]

well mate as i carn,t wear them do you want the dr boots

That would be great thanks, how much for them?
Where abouts are your from for me to collect.

 

[silverfox]

well i live in melbourne australia but no fear i will send them to you. have you got a po box there in london or will give you my email and you can send me your postal address do not worry about the cost as i am giving them away as for shipping you can send me the money when they arrive

 

[Sgt Brown]

Not much help to you British gentlemen, but I have often wondered if attaching cuffs with the buckles and straps to the tops of a pair of US paratrooper boots would not provide an easily-obtainable substitute that should probably pass the "ten foot rule" for re-enactor use.

Sarge

 

[Story]

Friday 20th August, 2010 (ANI)

The Indian Army flagged off a cross-country motorbike expedition here on Friday across war memorials in several Eurasian and West Asian nations to pay homage to the brave and martyr soldiers of the Second World War.

The 10-member team of biking enthusiasts, christened the 'Lightning Bulleteers', would be travelling across geographic boundaries of Eurasia and West Asia during their 42 days tour, logging a lengthy distance 12000 kilometres.

http://www.calcuttanews.net/story/675053