Gordon Prime is now 98 years old and was a despatch rider with 89 Co RASC. He has written a book ‘Bash On Regardless’ which was launched in October which is currently sold out due to a small first print run a second print is being organised. All proceeds of his book sales will go to the Normandy Veterans association. It is also very important for him to have a memorial to Despatch Riders erected at the National Memorial Arboretum. I have been asked by the VMCC if I would be willing to ask anyone with a Despatch Rider bike to go down to Pembroke Dock to take part in a ride by and visit to the Residential Care Home where Gordon now lives. A possible date suggested by Gordon is the 16th of April which is the anniversary of when his best mate Bert Stinchcombe was killed shortly before the end of the war in Europe.
The story here is that Gordon was in Goch in Germany and the telephone lines had been brought down and a DR was instructed to go back to HQ to communicate this. Gordon and his best mate Bert Stinchcombe were duty DR’s so they tossed a coin to decide who should go. Gordon lost and rode back to HQ during the night. When he returned in the morning, someone said to him ‘Your mate copped it last night’ Gordon says it should have been him and ‘Poor old Bert got blown up’. I don’t know any further details as yet, but would anyone be interested in joining me in honouring a veteran of Normandy? It seems very appropriate seeing as my late father served with the RASC, my Matchless served with the RASC as did Gordon Prime.
Regards,
Neil AKA Tommy RE
email (option): neil.trinder01@gmail.com
Hi Neil,
I will be up for that.
I think myself and Steve Drewitt were talking to this gentleman in Arromanche a number of years ago. I would be honoured to do something for him. I'm sure I could muster up some extra despatch riders if need be.
Please keep me in the loop,
Justin.
email (option): leggy90@icloud.com
Hi Neil
I often correspond with Gordon & went to ouistreham in June to see his photo featured in the street dedications
Gordon lives in Pembroke dock - minutes from where I get the ferry over to U.K. - for me - on a bike - it’s a fairly easy trip over
Let me know how things progress
Br
Jo’b
email (option): jonnyob1@googlemail.com
Hi Justin,
I think the more DR bikes we can get the better. I have had no direct contact with Gordon I have been approached by Hugh Morgan Veterans Coordinator from Age Cymru who visits Gordon regularly. Thanks for getting back to me.
Regards,
Neil
email (option): neil.trinder01@gmail.com
Keep us informed Neil. 👍
email (option): leggy90@icloud.com
Neil.
I too would certainly love to be part of this.
I am based in South Wales, so not to far away.
Looking forward to your update.
Steve
I had a reply from Hugh today, I have posted it so that you are as up to date as I am.
Regards,
Neil
Morning Neil
Good to talk to you last Saturday. Apologies for the delay in responding - as mentioned I was in the middle of moving house but am now settled in (if still surrounded by mounds of boxes!) and can somewhat re-focus.
I will pass your photos onto our volunteer, Caroline Hayley, in Pembroke Dock who frequently calls into see Gordon as she can bring her laptop or iPad with her into the care home to show him.
This all sounds very exciting – I am will be phoning Gordon over the next few days and trying to firm up the 16th April with him and will let you, Steve and colleagues in the VMCC know, as soon as able.
Thanks for all you are doing!
Best wishes
Hugh
email (option): neil.trinder01@gmail.com
👍
email (option): leggy90@icloud.com
Regards,
Neil
Morning Neil
Good to talk to you last Saturday. Apologies for the delay in responding - as mentioned I was in the middle of moving house but am now settled in (if still surrounded by mounds of boxes!) and can somewhat re-focus.
I will pass your photos onto our volunteer, Caroline Hayley, in Pembroke Dock who frequently calls into see Gordon as she can bring her laptop or iPad with her into the care home to show him.
This all sounds very exciting – I am will be phoning Gordon over the next few days and trying to firm up the 16th April with him and will let you, Steve and colleagues in the VMCC know, as soon as able.
Thanks for all you are doing!
Best wishes
Hugh
I have just had conformation from Hugh (see below) this afternoon that Gordon has confirmed the 16th of April next year as the date that the ride in/visit to him at Pembroke Dock. He said he would be delighted to have those who have it, turn up on their machines in authentic WW2 DR gear for the occasion don’t worry if you don’t have the gear, just turn up with your bikes. I have also spoken to Steve Allen from the VMCC this afternoon to get a campsite organised for those of us who will be using Campers/tents for the weekend and further information regarding this will be posted. I know I have at least three firm takers, but it would be helpful to get some idea of how many bikes and riders we can get to attend so we can give Gordon a day to remember.
Regards,
Neil
Hi Neil - have spoken to Gordon this afternoon. He is very pleased that you guys will be coming to see him on 16th April - and he was also very pleased to learn that you will be dressed authentically in WW2 DR gear for the occasion! The word he used was ‘delighted’! Best wishes. Hugh
email (option): neil.trinder01@gmail.com
Hi Neil,
Put me down for this please I'd like to attend, let me know the details of the campsite as things progress.
The fridge is working in my motorhome now so I won't need you to look after my bacon 😂
See you in April 👍
Regards
Alwyn
email (option): Alwyndart@gmail.com
Hi Neil.
Kindly add my name to the list too, please.
Regards
Steve
It would be a nice fantasy to think my bike would be ready in time?
Mark
email (option): pes.sales@btconnect.com
Mark
Why would it be a nice fantasy? There is a good six months for you to get your bike finished in time for the event, unless of course, you’re doing up a real basket case with lots of bits missing.
Regards,
Neil
email (option): neil.trinder01@gmail.com
OK then Gents,
We have the following wanting to do the run so far:
Justin Legg
John O’Brien
Steve Drewit
Alwyn Dart
Would any one who has expressed an interest in joining the ride in next April object to me contacting them via email? I am making up a spreadsheet of who is attending and it will save a lot of time if I send out details of campsite/ venue/ride details via a “Round Robin” type email. Also it would be good to let Gordon know what make of bikes you are riding. Please respond directly to my email address. I will also update this post as things progress.
Regards,
Neil
email (option): neil.trinder01@gmail.com
Neil,
Please do.
Justin.
email (option): leggy90@icloud.com
👍👍
email (option): Alwyndart@gmail.com
Hi Neil.
Yes, no problem, kindly see attached my email address.
If I recall correctly, Gordon rode a Matchless G3L.
I remember being fortunate enough to meet Gordon in Normandy and we had a great chat about his Matchless.
The Matchless G3L was the first WW2 motorcycle I purchased and I only owned it for a few months before chatting with Gordon.
Steve
email (option): findingsteveo@hotmail.com
I have been copied in to various emails between Steve Allen an Roger Bibbings of the VMCC and a plan is coming together. There are two Campsites near to Pembroke Dock and Roger has suggested a route for a ride to various points of about 40 miles prior to visiting Gordon.
Route
Start with visit to Chapel Bay Fort, Angle, Pembrokeshire SA71 5BE (https://chapelbayfort.com ) (special rate?) - then on to Castle Martin (photo opp at MoD training area? - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castlemartin_Training_Area ), then to Stackpole, Freshwater East, Manorbier, Tenby, back towards Milton (visit Carew Castle and Tidal Mill ? https://www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/carew-castle ), then Pembroke Dock and visit Gordon Prime (plus photo app?).
Campsites
Angle - Castle Farm Camping & Self Catering
Freshwater West - Gupton Farm Campsite
B&Bs
Angle Bay B&B
Others in Pembroke
Hotels
Pembroke - The Coach House Hotel, The Middlegate Hotel, The Old King's Arms Hotel
Pembroke Dock - Travelodge,
It occurred to me that if we could get someone to attend with a Norton 16H and sidecar and Gordon was up for it, he could be taken for a short spin in the sidecar which I think would really make his day. If memory serves, access to a 16H sidecar is pretty easy and depending on Gordon’s mobility, he could get in OK. Any thoughts on this?
Regards,
Neil
email (option): neil.trinder01@gmail.com
I would like to put my name down for this please. (WM20)
I would suggest changing the name/title of this thread as I don't think it describes what is being organised, so I think you may be missing a few riders who may be interested.
Maybe start another thread to bump up the subject?
Rich.
email (option): richardpurkiss@hotmail.com
I would suggest changing the name/title of this thread as I don't think it describes what is being organised, so I think you may be missing a few riders who may be interested.
Maybe start another thread to bump up the subject?
Rich.
Best option is to start a new thread, like you already suggested.
Regards,
Bastiaan (forum management)
email (option): wdmotorcycles@gmail.com
Put my name down please (WDM20 but I'll have to be in civvies). Happy to be contacted by email.
email (option): deansouthall@phonecoop.coop
I would suggest changing the name/title of this thread as I don\'t think it describes what is being organised, so I think you may be missing a few riders who may be interested.
Maybe start another thread to bump up the subject?
Rich.
Best option is to start a new thread, like you already suggested.
Regards,
Bastiaan (forum management)
Thanks for the advice. Having spoken to Neil "Tommy" Trinder a new thread will be started soon.
Justin.
email (option): leggy90@icloud.com
Sent you a mail Neil - some of us interested in coming across to see Gordon
Br
Jo’b
email (option): jonnyob1@googlemail.com
I am propose starting a new thread under the title of Gordon Prime Duty DR. So far we have 10 bikes and riders interested in taking part in the Ride In on April 16th next year. Hopefully we will get some more.
Regards,
Neil
Hi
I live in Milford Haven, about 10 minutes away from Pembroke Dock, I know Gordon and also Ted Owens, who also lives in Pembroke Dock. Ted is a 41 Royal Marine Commando veteran who landed on D-Day and was badly wounded on Sword beach. He re-joined his group and went on to serve in Holland where he was badly wounded again. Ted and Gordon often attend the Wings over Carew annual event where military vehicles are displayed.
I've been contacted by a member of my local VMCC group who has suggested there may be a celebration of wartime motorcycles organised by the Duty to Ride organisation (is this any relation to anyone here?), coincidentally they have suggested that this takes place at Carew Cheriton control tower on 16 April 2023. This is only 5 mins away from Pembroke dock.
I have a number of WW2 WD bikes including two G3/L's, a WM20, HD WLA, and an Indian 741b that could potentially attend the meeting, presumably, Ted and Gordon will likely be there if it goes ahead, although the event has not been confirmed yet. I also know of a couple of local lads with WD bikes (a 16h and a WM20) that would be interested in attending.
If this event at Carew is not related to anyone here then it may conflict with your meeting with Gordon? But obviously if you can arrange to meet Gordon at the Carew event it will be beneficial to everyone as there will be LOTS of WD bikes at the event. (Win-Win!)
email (option): nljb345@hotmail.com
I live in Milford Haven, about 10 minutes away from Pembroke Dock, I know Gordon and also Ted Owens, who also lives in Pembroke Dock. Ted is a 41 Royal Marine Commando veteran who landed on D-Day and was badly wounded on Sword beach. He re-joined his group and went on to serve in Holland where he was badly wounded again. Ted and Gordon often attend the Wings over Carew annual event where military vehicles are displayed.
I've been contacted by a member of my local VMCC group who has suggested there may be a celebration of wartime motorcycles organised by the Duty to Ride organisation (is this any relation to anyone here?), coincidentally they have suggested that this takes place at Carew Cheriton control tower on 16 April 2023. This is only 5 mins away from Pembroke dock.
I have a number of WW2 WD bikes including two G3/L's, a WM20, HD WLA, and an Indian 741b that could potentially attend the meeting, presumably, Ted and Gordon will likely be there if it goes ahead, although the event has not been confirmed yet. I also know of a couple of local lads with WD bikes (a 16h and a WM20) that would be interested in attending.
If this event at Carew is not related to anyone here then it may conflict with your meeting with Gordon? But obviously if you can arrange to meet Gordon at the Carew event it will be beneficial to everyone as there will be LOTS of WD bikes at the event. (Win-Win!)
This is indeed linked to the Duty To Ride and Gordons express wish to see a memorial to Despatch Riders at the National Memorial Arboretum. I was asked to organise the inaugural run from the National Motorcycle Museum to the NMA in May of this year and I was approached by Steve Allen from the VMCC to take part and see if I could get riders of military bikes to attend a ride in to honour the memory of Gordon’s best mate who was killed shortly before the war in Europe ended after he was approached by Hugh Morgan of Age Cymru Dyfed. I am just waiting to hear from various parties involved at the Pembroke Dock end of things to see if Carew Control Tower is to be the start and camping venue. I shall include you in the round robin emails to keep all who are interested in joining in up to date. I would be grateful if you could let me know who at your end is willing to join us and what machines they. Will be riding.
Kind regards,
Neil Trinder
email (option): neil.trinder01@gmail.com