History of BSA WM20

[ThomasDrich66]

Hi Folks, trying to track down any information about the history of my BSA WM20 1944 (old reg 983 MAU, modern reg 769XUB, 'C' no. C5552056, frame/engine no. 111356). If anyone can point me in the direction of anything about its military history, I'd be very grateful.

[idie]

Try the WDM20 site. They will have the information I'm sure.

[ThomasDrich66]

Thanks Idie, yes, I've posted a request for info there too.

[limeyrob]

I have an ex-mil 1970 Land Rover, REME archives keep the "A" and "B" cards for most military vehicles. You pride the military service number, they can't work off a reg or chassis / frame number, pay and they send you a copy.
Unfortunately having done this you may learn very little as these cards mostly record when the vehicle went though a depot and when it was released for sale.  What I don't know is how far back this system goes, the military vehicles people will know. The C number should be your key.
Given the huge number they may be in batches to it could be that (say) a batch of 20 went to such-and-such depot. 

[ThomasDrich66]

Thanks Rob, I'll try that, Thomas

[limeyrob]

Had a quick look to refresh memory.  It is now the REME Museum who hold the records and if your bike as one is will be a "B" which means land, wheeled and soft sided.
Here's the link:
https://www.rememuseum.org.uk/blog/reme-trades-vehicle-mechanic-b-vehicles

Worth giving them a call as they are very helpful, but manage your expectations. Its 80 years the 1000's of records were on paper and they've been moved a number of times.
And its the Army, the person who filled in the card for my Land Rover had little interest in saving information for future generations, they just wanted to get though the day.  If you are lucky enough that they find a record expect it to be in smudged pencil on brown card scanned with the same enthusiasm as it was written
but don't let me put you off.....

[ThomasDrich66]

Thanks Rob, I'll give it a go, Thomas