“Have you seen about 140 Germans with motorcycles”

“No Sir, and if I did I’d run like ‘ell”

After recovering and reading old material on the many ISDT before the Second World War it is evident that any average Britiah person who read the national or local newspapers, went to the Cinema or listened to the radio (BBC was the only choice) would have been aware the ISDT had been competed whether it was held in this country or abroad. The media of the day heavily featured it in sports reports and on news reels. Like todays Formula 1, even if you were not fussed about it you would know it was on.

In 1937 after 3 years on the continent , Germany being precise, the event returned to the UK in July 1937 and like 1933 it was held in Llandrindod Wells in Radnorshire, Mid Wales. The Germans having hosted the event had perceived it to be both an important sporting event that winning satisfied their self-belief of superiority and also provided worthwhile training for military motorcycle specialists.

Photo – The German’s have arrived! three of the German Contingent for the International Six Days Trial landing at Southampton last week. The two leading machines are BMWs and the third on the gang plank is a Zundapp. On the exterme right is a popular ‘International’ figure – the interpreter. ISDT 1937 (Speedtracktales collection)

As a result it sent a huge team with helpers over  which was reported by the editor of Motor Cycling in person visiting the docks in Southampton to greet them. The story told was that arriving at the docks they met an immense Policeman his breast a glitter with War medals, The editor asked “Have you seen 140 Germans with Motorcycles”
“No Sir” he replied politely, adding, after a contemplative pause “and if I did I’d run like ‘ell”

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