I am trying to find and identify the history behind my grandfathers motorcycle. The tank number c4196878 I think it's a M20
Can you help?
Keith

email (option): arbkeith@gmail.com

C4196878 is an M20 from contract C6654 and would have originally had the frame and engine number WM20 21366.

Could we see the photograph please.

Rob

It would indeed be a BSA M20, from contract C6654 (frames numbered WM20 21001 - 25000), delivered from June 1940. This is the closest that I have on file.

Thank you for your replys. I will try to upload a photo. Not very good at this!
Would be great if you can identify the other markings on the bike.
Komet

email (option): arbkeith@gmail.com

If you have trouble uploading the picture, you could send a copy to Rik or myself and we will post it.

Rob

email (option): robmiller11@yahoo.co.uk

Thanks rob.will send you a picture.

email (option): arbkeith@gmail.com

Very nice, thank you.

Rob

email (option): robmiller11@yahoo.co.uk

Nice indeed. Corps of Military Police. 3rd Infantry Division Provost during the winter of 1940 - '41 ?

Thank you for your help! Gaining ground.were the bikes in a pool? Number front mudguard.

email (option): arbkeith@gmail.com

The tip of the mudguard "79" on a black background stands for the Provost Company of an infantry Division used up to and perhaps beyond 1944, so fits in perfectly with the CMP cap badge and 3rd Infantry formation badge on the tank.

Is that "55" on the side of the mudguard, could it be attached to the senior battalion of the Division? or is it machine 55 of the CMP unit? I don't think it can be the front tyre pressure.

Rob

email (option): robmiller11@yahoo.co.uk

I'm fairly sure that the "55" is simply a machine identifier. In proportion to personnel, Provost had a higher concentration of motorcycles than even Divisional Signals. Their duties included Traffic Control.

The 1940 Divisional Provost establishement comprised six sections, each with 15 motorcycles, so 90 machines in total (plus a couple at Divisional H.Q.)