Officially known as The Royal Signals Motorcycle Display Team, the White Helmets began performing motorcycle demonstrations and stunts in 1927. The team comprised twenty-four soldiers and one Signal Officer in Chief, all from within the British Army Royal Corps of Signals and are traditionally known for utilizing the trusty Triumph motorcycle, as well as donning their signature white helmets.
The Royal Signals display team was based at Blandford Camp in Dorset where they spent months training in preparation for performances – each Winter the team would learn new routines and tricks to be ready for a summer tour across the UK as they had done for the past 90 years.
Sadly, the White Helmets announced in September 2017 that they would be disbanding to reflect the changing demands of the Royal Signals towards the high-tech role of communications in modern conflict. Traditionally, when the White Helmets were first established, motorbikes were used to send messages between different units and so inspired performances to show off the soldiers’ skills to the British public. The White Helmets held their final farewell performance at the Chatsworth country fair in Derbyshire.
The five motorcycles offered are 1999 Triumph 750cc TR7 Tiger’s manufactured by L. F Harris whom resurrected the manufacture of classic Triumph components following the demise of the of the Meriden Triumph Motorcycle cooperative. Each carries an estimate of £5,500-8,000.
Jonathan Vickers, Bonhams West County Motoring Specialist said: “We are proud to have been chosen to offer these five historically important machines for sale at our Spring Stafford Sale in April this year. Much loved by families and children from all corners of the globe who have experienced their ‘dare devil’ displays at shows and events throughout the UK, the ‘Royal Signals Motorcycle Display Team’ also known as the ‘White Helmets’ are a British tradition whose origins date back to 1927. The sale provides an incredibly rare opportunity for bidders to acquire not just one but five of these wonderful Triumph 750cc TR7 Tiger motorcycles.”
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