Identification of old family photo

[Rudge]

Hi,

This is an old family photo, supposed to be my grandfather who was a WW1 signals rider. Can anyone identify the bike or anyone else in the photo. Somewhere near Gloucester UK post WW1 I think.

[Doug]

The bike is an S1 or S2 model, also known as the 3-1/2hp or 6hp Sports. The distinctive front brake is a give-away. Probably the smaller 3-1/2hp Sport. Made 1921-23, this one is 1922-23 model, judging by the type of inlet manifold.

Some sort of Gymkhana, with the riders participating in a version of 'tip the bucket'.

-Doug

[eddie]

Reminiscent of the LDMCC Annual Rally in the good old days when we just went out and had fun - without worrying about H & S issues!!

  Eddie.

[Rudge]

Thanks Eddie and Doug!
It means a lot to get the bike identified. Thank you very much.
My Grandpa may have ridden the earlier version of the Douglas over in France during WW1 where he eventually succumbed to frost bite in some toes and fingers and was sent back home to England. One of the lucky ones!
Next thing is to try and find a restoration project.

[graeme]

A WW1 era 2 3/4 machine will be much easier to find for a project than a S1 - they're very rare! Good luck with it all though either way