BATTLETALK 03: Post-WW2 Airborne Operational Use of Folding Bikes Attached to Paratroopers
STILL A GREAT MILITARY CAPABILITY: MODERNIZE IT
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Paratroopers' marvel: WWII British Airborne Bike found in junk pit of 50th Parachute Brigade
Arvind Chauhan / TNN / Updated: Aug 31, 2018, 22:20 IST
AGRA: Of the different type of paraphernalia associated with warfare was also the humble bicycle – a popular and faster way to transport militaries, especially due to fuel shortage during World War II. In what can be considered as one of the most fascinating innovations during that time were airborne folding bikes produced by the Birmingham Small Arms (BSA) Company between 1942 and 1945.
The bikes had slowly sunk into oblivion but for a chance discovery of one such bicycle inside the Agra military headquarters in 2016. Subedar Jessello K J had found the airborne bicycle in a junk pit of the 50th Parachute Brigade and immediately contacted the then administration commandant of Agra station, Colonel Sanjeev Diwedi. Together, they restored the 74-year-old military bicycle, which was used by both British and Indian paratroopers during the WWII. The 10.5 kg bicycle which is valued at Rs 3.5 lakh is said to be the only piece (with original parts) that is available in the country today.
Jessello said, “Never in my life had I ever seen the folding bicycle and I was curious when I found it in the junk heap. I informed my senior and we did some research during which we came to know about its importance.”
The folding bikes were strapped to the paratroopers’ suits before they leapt out of an airplane into a war zone at night. When the paratrooper landed, he would release the strap to detach the bike. These bicycles were specifically used to move large distances in silence.
Retired Colonel (paratrooper) Shiv Kunzrwoo, who had used one such bicycle in 1970, said, “I was commissioned in 1969 and had jumped several times with the bicycle during our training sessions. It is not an easy task considering we also had to carry our weapon, war gear along. After landing, each paratrooper had to unfold the bicycle in 45 seconds.”
The silver-coloured bike, with wooden pedals, hangs outside the administration commandant’s officer in the Agra station headquarters. According to sources, not many paratroopers know about its existence.
Another retired Colonel (paratrooper) Anupam Verma said, “the airborne bicycles were not used in military operations after Independence. But paratroopers were still trained to use it 'till the early 1980s, before the Russian IL-76 aircraft were inducted. During our mock operations, the airborne bicycles were used to travel long distances behind enemy lines. They were also used to gather ammunition and rations within 45 minutes after been dropped by an American Fairchild C-119 cargo aircraft (used by IAF) in a 5 km wide range.”
Brigadier Rajeev Rawat, commander of the Agra military station and Parachute Brigade, said, “Not many in service are aware of this vintage airborne bicycle.”
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Semper Airborne!
James Bond is REAL.
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