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.
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Black Leather Dispatch Rider Boots?
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<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.
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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
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Originally posted by peter monahan View PostYou 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
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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!
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Brown DR boots
Originally posted by Naaficook View PostBlack, 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
http://s577.beta.photobucket.com/use...86bc4.jpg.html
http://s577.beta.photobucket.com/use...94265.jpg.html
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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
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