Bill Smy said:What is the first recorded use of a motorcycle for military message delivery?
Spr.Earl said:The first recorded use of a motorcycle for military message delivery occurred on 21 June 1913 when the General Officer Commanding, 2nd Division wrote to the Secretary Militia Council that Private T. Dawley, 44th Regiment (Lincoln and Welland), had been selected to serve as an orderly at Niagara-On-The-Lake Camp Headquarters:
"for the reason that he brought to the camp with him his motorcycle. He rendered very efficient service, and did work which would have taken two mounted (cavalry) orderlies to perform.
I therefore recommend that authority be granted for him to be paid the sum of $1.25 per diem (which is the rate of horse allowance) to recompense him for the use of his motorcycle in the public service.
Repairs to the amount of $4.50 for piston and compensating rings, stand and frame stud, and time fitting were necessary. I recommend that this sum also be paid"
Private Dawley received a total of $17.00.
Spr.Earl said:The 5th Canadian Motorcycle Regiment,was converted and redesignated as what and what is their name to day?
...Preparations for retraining as a mechanised unit were conducted throughout the early period of 1940 and culminated in the formation of the 5th Canadian Motorcycle Regiment (BCD). Subsequently, the unit was re-designated the 9th Canadian Armoured Regiment (BCD). As such it continued its training in Canada and England with tanks. In 1944, the Regiment deployed to Italy and played a prominent part in the advance north. In February 1945 the BCD were re-deployed to Northwest Europe with 2nd Canadian Corps and took part in the liberation of the Netherlands. After a period of garrison duty in Europe the Regiment was repatriated to Canada in 1946 and resumed the status of a Reserve armoured regiment.