Digging is not boring
Page 17
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WHAT at first sight appears to be a boring list of Post Office vehicle numbers and makes contains one or two fascinating historical nuggets for anyone who takes the trouble to dig for them. For instance, GPO Vehicles: A Concise Guide 19081946,produced by the Post Office Vehicle Club, reveals that 20 31/2hp motorcycles with 18cuft wicker or metal sidecarriers replaced postmen on horseback in 1914. Those were the days when the Post Office gave real service.
Motorcycle combinations were much used after the 191418 war. The little-known GWK 8cwt mailvan made its appearance in 1920 and 150 were bought from 1920-22. The last was withdrawn in 1926.
But I remember going, about 50 years ago, to GWK at, I think, Maidenhead to see a new infinitely variable gear on a works truck. As I recall, it was also infinitely impracticable.