World War II despatch rider previews new Royal Enfield gear

Royal Enfield, the world’s oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production, unveiled a preview of its new apparel and accessory range at Goodwood revival this weekend, with 92 year old WWII despatch rider, George Brown.

The new Royal Enfield range, inspired by the despatch riders of the Great Wars, includes a mix of riding gear, lifestyle accessories and apparel, and was unveiled at an exclusive champagne reception at the classic motor festival.

Known as Don’Rs, despatch riders, such as George, were military messengers who used motorcycles to deliver urgent messages between head-quarters and military units. At 16 years old, George developed a passion for motorbikes, which led him to volunteer join the Royal Corps of Signals as a Don R in early 1941. He carried out the role of despatch rider for five years and travelled around Europe to deliver messages during the war.

Commenting on unveiling the new range, George said: “As a motorcycle enthusiast, it has been my pleasure to help unveil the new range, I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. I used to ride a Royal Enfield during the war, so seeing an identical Royal Enfield to what I rode as a despatch rider, as well as the new accessory range has stirred a lot of memories from my younger days.”

Mr Abhijit Singh Brar, head of marketing at Royal Enfield, said: “The despatch riders played such an important role in both the World Wars. With the centenary of the former coinciding with the preview of our new despatch rider inspired apparel and accessories line, it was our pleasure to invite an original Don R, as our guest of honour, to the event at Goodwood Revival.

“Much like our motorcycles, this collection revives authentic design and timeless styling for contemporary audiences. The collection explores Royal Enfield’s rich motorcycling heritage and in particular its history with the traditions of despatch riders.”

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