2/7th Cycling Battalion

[groberts]

Came across this interesting memorial at the front of City Hall whilst visiting Cardiff yesterday. I wonder if anybody can provide anything more about them and this memorial? Thanks.

[Ugly]

Try google some information comes up

[rche7k]

A number of cycling battalions were formed prior to WW1. Most of them converted to infantry during WW1. I don't have anything on the 2/7th. But my grandfather enlisted in the 25th London Cyclists and they have an excellent web site www.25thLondon.com. Although focused on the London Regiment it includes a lot of very interesting history and photos of military cycling.

[pete75]

Apparently their use of bicycles was one of the reasons for the rapid Japanese advance that took Singapore by surprise.

[simonhill]

It took the Japanese two months to fight their way down the Malay Peninsula from their landing at Khota Bharu in the north to Singapore.

A route I'll be following in a few months time.

[groberts]

Thanks for the info, amazing how the humble bike has played such a pivotal role in warfare.

Sounds like a great ride Simon, will be interested to get a report when you return.

[pete75]

This may well be of interest

https://www.bikeshophub.com/blog/2016/0 ... s-on-bikes

[Cunobelin]

Again, this is an indirect answer as it does not refer to your Battalion

The Huntingdonshire Cyclist Battalions have an excellent and detailed Web Site

It gives a lot of information which will probably be equally applicable to the 2/7th in a generic form. I hope that you find it of some use

The recruitment for instance:

HUNTS. CYCLIST BATTALION.

-----------------
AGE 17 - 35 HEIGHT NOT LESS THAN 5ft. 2ins.
-----------------
CYCLES provided practically FREE OF CHARGE.
Money Allowance to men who provide their own.
-------------------
ANNUAL CAMP, Usually at the SEASIDE, at a time which does not interfere with harvest.
All men attending, in addition to food and lodging, receive pay
from 1s to 4s per day according to rank; also
Separation Allowance for Wife and Children, and Boot Allowance.

UNIFORMS, RIFLE, AND EQUIPMENT PROVIDED FREE OF ALL CHARGE.

The fact you are paid and allowance if you brought your own bike, and that if you didn't they would provide one practically free of charge!

[The utility cyclist]

http://www.keepmilitarymuseum.org/histo ... battalions
There are names of soldiers from the cycling brigade inscribed at the memorial at Arras, I visited there this April as part of ny homage to my home towns troops.
The link may shed some light on the 7th 'Devons'