This frame number was despatched under contract S7218 (dated August 1944 with deliveries scheduled at 1500 per month, commencing May 1945). The war in Europe of course ended seventy-eight years ago tomorrow and it soon became obvious that the war against Japan would end sooner than expected. Rather than the 10,000 ordered, the contract was curtailed at 5869 machines.
The last contracted army machine was WM20 122687. If BSA were on target with production, 121398 would have been produced around August 1945 and presumably sent to BAOR as a replacement before forming part of the batches bought at surplus sales and sent to the US in the late 1960s
You all make really good points. I sent my engine number to Lex and he’s going to be able to tell me more. I can’t wait to learn more about its history!
If anyone else is interested, the engine and frame number is WM20 121398.
Didn't receive an email, but will check the numbers tonight, and get back to you.
Cheers,
Lex
Sorry, Lex. I had the email address wrong. I just sent it again.
