V Corps (North Irish Horse) Cyclist Battalion, 1918

 

Cyclist

 

The watercolour above, kindly provided by Bracken Anderson, shows a Private of V Corps (North Irish Horse) Cyclist Battalion, during 1918-19. The image is superimposed on a photograph of the ruins of St Dunstan's Farm in the Ypres Canal Sector, 1919. The uniform and equipment include:

Bicycle - standard GS Mk IV, made by BSA to military specifications, 24 inch frame, coaster hub, front brake, pump, frame colours varied from green to black (folding cycles were also in service), tyres either off-white or black, lamps, front and rear, Lucas silver king (paraffin), leather tool box and repair kit on crossbar, bell on handlebar, front kit carrier holds greatcoat rolled inside a rubberised groundsheet, covered messtin on top, rear kit carrier holds large pack or valise and helmet.

Rifle - Mk III SMLE, mounted sights-down, attached by special butt and fore-end clips on cycle.

Uniform - 1917 soft cap, khaki service dress infantry uniform with 1908 field service marching order webbing, gas mask bag on chest in 'alert' position, bayonet and entrenching tool handle (on left), water canteen (on right).