Motorcycle Volunteers

The Manton family with a motorcycle in the backyard of the Hop Pole,Cauldwell Street, Bedford.[1]  [Z50/142/809]
Saturday 8th August 1914 (Luton): A group of motor cyclists left Luton this morning to attend a rally at Wimbledon Common in response to a Government appeal for volunteers. An enthusiastic crowd gathered to see them off from the Town Hall at midday. Some have been sent on patrol work, and others have been distributing Police proclamations from Scotland Yard to various parts of the country. 

Source: Luton News 13th August 1914

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[1]The man on the motorcycle in this picture, Henry Hector Manton, became a sergeant in the Army Veterinary Corps. He was killed on 12th January 1917 aged 22 and is buried at the Heilly Station Cemetery, Mericourt-L'Abbe. He was the son of Henry and Kate Manton of the Hop Pole, Cauldwell Street, Bedford.