Vintage ‘Flying Squirrel’ motorbike Colonel Tom Moore used to race on in the 1950s is uncovered at museum
- Timeworn motorcycle is on display at Bradford Industrial Museum in Yorkshire
- Its history wasn’t known until a stash of old photos were recently rediscovered
- They show the national hero perched on the bike, clutching several trophies
- Col Tom inspired more than £39m of fundraising during the coronavirus crisis
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
Colonel Tom Moore clutches trophies on the vintage motorcycle
A vintage motorcycle which Colonel Tom Moore rode in competitive races in the 1950s has been unearthed in a museum.
The timeworn Scott Flying Squirrel is on display at Bradford Industrial Museum in West Yorkshire, close to the childhood home of the national hero, who inspired more than £39 million of fundraising during the coronavirus crisis.
Its interesting provenance wasn’t known until a stash of black and white photos were recently rediscovered.
One brilliant picture thought to be taken in the late 1950s shows Col Tom perched on the bike proudly clutching several well-earned trophies.
The dapper Yorkshireman competed in the races as number 23, as can be seen in the pictures, which displays number plate DN3612 on the motor.
The dapper Yorkshireman, who has become a national hero this year, competed in the races during the 1950s
The timeworn Scott Flying Squirrel, pictured, is on display at Bradford Industrial Museum in West Yorkshire, close to the childhood home of the national hero
The interesting provenance of the bike, pictured, wasn’t known until a stash of black and white photos were recently rediscovered
Bradford councillor Sarah Ferriby said: ‘We couldn’t believe it when we found out that one of the bikes that we have on display in our Bradford Industrial Museum was once rode competitively by Captain Tom.
‘Our Museums and Galleries service is really proud to possess this small but significant link with a true national hero of our times.’
Former British Army officer Col Tom shot to fame this year for his fundraising efforts in the run-up to his 100th birthday during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He raised more than £39m for NHS charities by walking 100 laps of his garden at his Bedfordshire home before his big day in April and is set to be knighted for his incredible efforts.
Cpt Tom was raised in Keighley and had an interest in motorcycles, particularly those designed, built and sold by Alfred Angas Scott.
Scott Motorcycles of Shipley were at the peak of their power and influence during the 1920s and 30s.
Former British Army officer Col Tom shot to fame this year for his fundraising efforts in the run-up to his 100th birthday during the COVID-19 pandemic
In the 1950s and Bradford’s renowned commercial photographer, C.H. Wood, a retired motorcycle champion and fellow Scott enthusiast bought a mutilated 1912 model and rebuilt it.
As the bike was rebuilt it needed to be re-registered and the registration number was changed to AK222.
That could have been the end of it but Scott expert Maurice Rispin, who’s in his nineties has clear memories of Tom either buying or borrowing the bike from speedway champion Oliver Langton.
Oliver Langton was a member of the Bradford and District Motorcycling Club and raced for the world famous Belle Vue Aces speedway team in Manchester in the 1920s and 30s.
Though the bike is now owned by C.H Wood’s son David Wood, it is currently on long term loan at Bradford Industrial Museum.