A memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum has been proposed dedicated to the memory of all those motorcyclists throughout the world who have lost their lives or been seriously injured whilst riding in the course of their duties. These may be despatch riders and couriers in the various branches of the armed forces but also civilian riders such as blood deliveries, organ deliveries, and other essential couriers.
The estimated cost of such a memorial is in the region of £100,000. Contributions are therefore requested from across all the armed forces that use motorcycle riders including despatch riders, couriers, escorts and other functions as well as civilian organisations such as the NHS, blood and organ deliveries etc. It is also hoped that contributions will also be forthcoming from the motorcycling fraternity, motorcycle clubs, and fund-raising events.
Initial application has already been submitted to the National Memorial Arboretum for such a memorial, whilst the deposit has been paid. We now need to raise the money, commission the memorial itself, and make arrangements for its ongoing maintenance.
The attached list, taken from the London Gazette, is of some of the DRs awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (D.C.M.) for gallantry in World War One, together with a Military Cross and some Mentions in Despatches. These give us some knowledge of the very hazardous conditions under which they worked. The D.C.M. ranked between the Victoria Cross and the Military Medal.
A JustGiving page has been created to collect donations towards the creation of a Despatch Rider and Courier Memorial. Click here to donate now.
