Black Leather Dispatch Rider Boots?

[seebee1]

I would like to find out the time frame when these British Boots were used and who would have worn them, Army, Navy? With the reinforcing plate on the sole of the right-hand boot I believe they would be used by a Motorcyclist, perhaps a Dispatch Rider? Many thanks.

[seebee1]

Images 3 & 4

[seebee1]

Images 5 & 6 - Final

[Naaficook]

<a href="http://www.iwm.org.uk//collections/item/object/205199024" target="_blank"><img alt="CANADIAN FORCES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM 1939-45" class="" src="http://media.iwm.org.uk/iwm/mediaLib/41/media-41990/standard.jpg?action=e" /></a>

Canadian motorcycle despatch rider surrounded by young children at a brigade HQ, March 1943.

[seebee1]

Appreciate the superb image and shows a very similar boot, three buckle straps. Just wonder of the color of them is black or brown, or were both colors used during WW2?

[Naaficook]

Black, always black for DR boots.

There are also some brown coloured boots with 2 buckles/straps, but they are officiers field service boots, NOT DR boots.




The Canadians also adapted a one buckle/strap boots for the infantry

[seebee1]

Many thanks for the information and for clearing up the color issue. I had thought of parting with these boots, but may well hang onto them. I also need to find the similar brown pair I have, clearly though not DR boots. Regards, Clive.

[peter monahan]

You don't mention it but it looks as if there were hob nails on both soles, which have been pulled out or ground down. That would make sense for a DR: the last thing you need on a motorcycle are nailed boots to slip off the pedals or slide on cobbles or pave as you put your foot down to stop or for balance.

Peter

[Naaficook]

You don't mention it but it looks as if there were hob nails on both soles, which have been pulled out or ground down. That would make sense for a DR: the last thing you need on a motorcycle are nailed boots to slip off the pedals or slide on cobbles or pave as you put your foot down to stop or for balance. Peter

Those are nails (not hobnails) to prevent wear and tear, common use un all the DR-boots.

[peter monahan]

Yes, I understand about the nails - I even install them on leather boots for people, for that very reason. My comment was only that they're not the big square ones commonly seen, which would be 'contra-indicated' for a dispatch rider. I've had several close calls myself just running, when a full set of hobs met a hard level surface at speed. On a motorcycle they might be lethal!

[pegasus-drive]

Brown DR boots

Black, always black for DR boots.

There are also some brown coloured boots with 2 buckles/straps, but they are officiers field service boots, NOT DR boots.




The Canadians also adapted a one buckle/strap boots for the infantry

Brown DR boots do exist. I have been told they are a Canadian version of the 2 buckle officers boots but they are identical to DR boots with the exception that they are fully studded..
http://s577.beta.photobucket.com/use...86bc4.jpg.html
http://s577.beta.photobucket.com/use...94265.jpg.html

[grndevil44]

nice boots and nice weather you have, I noticed the metal plate on one shoe in the arch area, would that be the side the gears were on? and the metal plate to save wear?

great DR photo also

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi John, I think the plate was to save wear from when you kick started the bike, not shifting gears.

Cheers, Ade.

[grndevil44]

cheers Ade,

[gunnerop]

Black Leather Dispatch Rider Boots?

The DR boots are an adaption of a very similar 'field boot' that was first issued for mounted use in 1915. They have the same 3 buckle cuff and similar general shape. I don't know when they were first issued for DR use but would expect it was during WW1. I can't say I have ever seen a between the wars dated pair though.

Good question though! I'd like to know the answer myself.

Regards

Paul