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12:48 PM 4th June 2020
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Captain Tom Moore’s Bike Found At Bradford Industrial Museum

 
Bradford Council’s Museums and Galleries Service have found a motorbike which national treasure Captain Tom Moore rode competitively in the 1920s.

Tom Moore
Tom Moore
The Scott Flying Squirrel with the registration number DN3612 was ridden by Captain Tom using the number 23 and can be seen in a photograph of him sitting astride the machine clutching several hard won trophies.

The young Tom who is originally from Keighley had an interest in motorcycles, particularly those designed, built and sold by Alfred Angas Scott and he competed in numerous club meets. Scott Motorcycles of Shipley were at the peak of their power and influence during the 1920s and 30s.

Fast forward to the 1950s and Bradford's renowned commercial photographer, C.H. Wood, retired motorcycle champion and also 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 Mr Maurice Rispin of Leeds who is well in to his nineties has clear memories of Tom either buying or borrowing the bike from speedway champion Oliver Langton.

CH Wood on his Scott motorcycle
CH Wood on his Scott motorcycle
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 continues to be owned by David Wood, son of C.H., it is currently on long term loan at Bradford Industrial Museum.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, 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.”