The horror of war is not lost on Australians, especially World Wars I and II, and the service given by so many must never be forgotten.
What is often not known, however, is the individual efforts and the associated effects it had on veterans and their lifestyles. But some of what happened has been recorded, especially in regional newspapers, which gave coverage to its local men. And researching the history of the Tasmanian Motor Cycle Club (TMCC) – the third-oldest motorcycle club in the world – has unearthed many stories.
As well as having family to return to, in a lot of cases returning soldiers had sporting clubs which needed them back in the fold to prosper. Motorcycle clubs were especially lucky in that regard because, after the horrors and adrenalin rush of war, many needed to escape so-called normal life and keep some form of excitement in their lives. Motorcycle racing provided that outlet and with their “demob” pay packets, they had the money to spend on bikes.
The TMCC’s first involvement in battle was in World War I. Some club members joined up early as much-needed ambulance drivers – few knew how to drive a car – while others joined as motorcycle dispatch riders, and it was these
