A photograph taken in the late 1930s showing motorcycle maintenance at a workshop making minor mechanical adjustments to the BMW motorcycle.
Through the mid-to-late 1930s the manufacture of German motorcycles increased drastically as the Nazi war machine grew in preparation for conflict. Designers and manufacturers worked to develop the motorcycle as an instrument of offensive warfare, perhaps more than in any other country in the world. Initially, when the motorcycle first entered military service it was used to protect motorcades for dignitaries, Nazi officials, and high ranking military officers as well as for policing measures, such as crowd control and keeping order during ceremonies and rallies. Motorcycles were also used for Hitler’s personal security, often forming part of the Führer’s escort for additional support and protection. Hitler frequently travelled in his open tourer through the streets of ‘liberated’ cities such as Prague and other annexed towns and cities. Security found that the crowds were controlled more easily in the Sudeten areas, where motorcycle and armoured support was often more relaxed.
Although Prague had a certain number of supporters of German occupation, security in the capital was nonetheless increased during Hitler’s tour in March 1939. His security detail comprised two groups of well armed cars, protected by the Führer-Begleit-Bataillon. These vehicles were further supported by a squad of five soldiers on motorcycles and by two armed reconnaissance vehicles.
The versatility of the motorcycle for personal security and policing measures made the machine an ideal component in a military role. Its speed and manoeuvrability allowed it to become an integral part of battlefield operations. It could be used in reconnaissance roles, major tasks such as mopping-up enemy areas and employment as an advance guard, for surprise attacks against an enemy’s flanks and rear, as well as in pursuit of withdrawing enemy formations and units.
A wide variety of machines were deployed for these tasks, including adapted civilian motorcycles as well as purpose-built military models. By 1938, approximately 200,000 motorcycles were manufactured annually in Germany. Among the various types produced were the BMW R12 and R17, both flat-twin engine motorcycles made by BMW Motorrad from 1935 to 1942. The BMW R75, built in 1938, was a highly effective machine complete with sidecar combination. It featured an integral two-wheel drive design, with drive shafts to both its rear wheel and the third sidecar wheel, from a locking differential, as well as a transfer case, which gave it both road and off-road gear ratios, through which all forward and reverse gears worked. Because of its unique design the bike was highly manoeuvrable and capable of negotiating almost all types of road and also had off-road capability.
Another vehicle to enter service in the late 1930s was the Zündapp KS600. The bike was often coupled with a Steib sidecar, the BW38 (Beiwagen 1938). The BW38, fitted with the B1 (Boot no. 1) sidecar body, was produced between 1938 and 1941 and supplied exclusively to the Wehrmacht. Many of the motorcycles were produced with additional sidecars. Often armed with an MG34 for close support, these light vehicles were used extensively for reconnaissance and supporting infantry columns. Unlike similar motorcycles in other countries, the majority of German sidecars had powered wheels, enabling them to traverse difficult terrain more easily. In all units of the Wehrmacht the motorcycle became the favoured transportation choice, especially for relaying messages to the front, reconnaissance duties, and assisting in closing the wide distances between mobile forward units. The motorcyclists became known as the Kradschützen Truppen. They were motorized, lightly armed and highly mobile infantry units of the Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS, and were often incorporated into the panzer divisions. Kradschützen units were also trained as a rapid mobile assault and reconnaissance force and would play an integral part in the German Blitzkrieg successes of 1939–40.
A photograph taken in the late 1930s showing motorcycle maintenance at a workshop making minor mechanical adjustments to the BMW motorcycle.
Wehrmacht dispatch riders pose for the camera at their home station with their single and sidecar motorcycle combinations.
During a parade at a home Wehrmacht station motorcycle combinations display their versatility and speed across the parade ground.
A motorcyclist is wearing the double-breasted rubberized motorcycle coat and aviator goggles over his M35 steel helmet.
A group of stationary motorcycle combination troops in a German urbanized area receiving much attention from young children.
A posed photograph showing single and motorcycle combinations in a German town in the late 1930s. All of the Wehrmacht Truppen wear the double-breasted rubberized motorcycle coat and aviator goggles either around their neck or positioned on their M35 steel helmets.
This photograph was more than likely taken during Anschluss with the Sudetenland in March 1938. It shows a column of light armoured vehicles and a single motorcycle moving along a road.
A motorcyclist can be seen making minor mechanical adjustments out in the field to his BMW R75 motorcycle. The R75 were powered by a 750cc side valve engine, which was based on the R71 engine. However it was quickly found necessary to design an all-new OHV 750cc engine for the R75 unit.
Two good photographs showing motorcyclists clad in their familiar double-breasted rubberized motorcycle coats during an exercise. Apart from the greatcoat that was worn almost universally among troops of the German Army, especially during the first half of the war, another form of protective clothing was issued solely to members of motorcycle units and individual motorcyclists – the waterproof coat. This double-breasted garment was made of cotton twill coated with rubber, with watertight seams, and was worn over the service uniform. The coat was loose-fitting and the ends could easily be gathered in around the wearer’s legs and buttoned into position, to allow easier and safer movement whilst riding the motorcycle.
A motorcyclist poses for the camera next to his machine, probably in 1938. He wears his motorcycle rubberized coat, which was grey-green in colour and had a woollen field-grey material collar and large pockets. The motorcyclist normally wore the coat together with army canvas and leather issue gloves or mittens. Ordinary leather army boots were often worn.
During a parade a motorcycle combination drives along, passing lines of civilians at the roadside.
A motorcyclist complete with combination smiles for the camera. The bike has been adorned with flowers, which probably indicates this photo was taken in March 1938 during Anschluss with Austria. Thousands of Sudeten Germans filled the roads, littering villages and towns with flowers and greeting soldiers with glasses of schnapps.
This photograph was taken at the Austrian border during Anschluss. Wehrmacht soldiers tuck into some rations next to a car. Note the stationary motorcycle. One of the soldiers has taken off his black leather infantryman’s belt complete with Karbiner 98K ammunition pouches which sit on the rear of the machine.
Taken during the late 1930s showing motorcyclists wearing black armoured uniforms complete with black Wehrmacht beret. The black panzer beret was the first item of headgear issued to be worn with the special panzer uniform. It was soon replaced during the winter of 1939/40 for the black field cap, identical to that of the army field grey M1938 field cap.