The Bicycle in Wartime |
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Paperback, 272 pp, 128 illustrations; ISBN: 978-0-9807480-1-7
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'Impressive breadth and detailed coverage of the use of bicycles in war. Jim Fitzpatrick shows convincingly how often experts were totally wrong in underestimating the influence of the bicycle, even when used against highly mechanized armies. A fascinating and rewarding book to read.' David Gordon Wilson, Emeritus Professor of Engineering at MIT, author of Bicycling Science.
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'An intriguing and compelling read, complemented by a multitude of archive photographs. Most important, the book brings together the strategic side of military policy and the experiences of cyclists on the ground.' Paul Rosen, University of York.
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'In this memorable tour de force, author Jim Fitzpatrick has, for the first time, traced the history of the bicycle in wartime. His contribution is significant and will stand the test of time ... the world's military forces have long been aware of [the bicycle's] potential. On occasion it has spelled the difference between victory and defeat: the Japanese in Malaya, the Viet Minh forces of Gen. Vo Nguyen Giap at Dien Bien Phu.' Cecil B. Currey, author of Victory at Any Cost: The Genius of Vietnam's General Vo Nguyen Giap.
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First known cycle-mounted machine gun, England, 1891. |
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Railway patrol cycles in the Cape Town rail yards, Boer War. |
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Australian and Canadian cyclists on parade, World War I. |
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British armourers under fire, World War I. |
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German troops evacuating Oslo, May, 1945, and on the Eastern Front, World War II.
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Japanese troops riding into Singapore, 1942, and Vietnamese porters carrying laden bicycles up a hillside.
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