38. Triumph Model H
Source: National Army Museum
Why use carrier pigeons when you can use motorcycles? That’s the general idea behind Despatch Riders of the Royal Engineers and Royal Corps of Signals. Their role was vital in maintaining communication during war. Often times, they had to do so under extreme conditions fighting heavy traffic and muddy trails while dodging bullets. Thankfully, a 2.25 horse power engine was adequate enough to get dispatchers to troops with vital information. By World War I, more than 57,000 Model H Triumphs were in production. The company would ultimately shutter their doors in 1983, yet not before they made a quirky three cylinder engine model between 1968 to 1976.