c.1943 Royal Enfield WD/RE 'Flying Flea'
No Reserve

Registration No: 8593 KO
Frame No: 10210
MOT: Exempt

• An unusual piece of military history
• Restored by a previous owner
• Many original military features

The Royal Enfield WD/RE, known as the 'Flying Flea', was a lightweight motorcycle developed by Royal Enfield for the British War Office (‘WD’ stood for ‘War Department’) as a means of transport that could be dropped by parachute or carried aboard gliders, to quickly convey messages and signals between airborne and assault troops where radio communications were not in place. Based upon the 1939 civilian RE, a Miller lighting system was added, the foot brake was relocated to the left side, together with a sealed vent on the fuel filler to prevent spillage when the motorcycle was packed in a drop carrier.

This little Flying Flea is a gem of a machine; it retains many original military features, although the engine has been changed sometime in its life. It was restored by the previous owner, evidently with an eye for accuracy and detail, though it has now acquired a light patina which lends it a very pleasing ‘oily rag’ appearance. Most recently, this Flea has been kept on static display in a private collection, so it will require recommissioning, but we understand the engine turns over and all the gears select. Ideal for military re-enactments, there is no documentation with this lot. The registration ‘8593 KO’ is now on a modern vehicle.

For more information, please contact:
Mike Davis
mike.davis@handh.co.uk
07718 584217