But it was the event programme that provided the answer to the committee’s question as it was headed, “Seventh National Rally of Motor Cyclists at Donington Park – July 23rd 1939.” Eureka! Assuming that the rally was an annual event it meant that the very first was held in 1933. The “Official Handbook and Programme of Events” that Bob and all competitors received, makes those of us who cherish our history want to cry as it is a roll of honour of the once dominant and magnificent British motorcycle industry. All 891 riders rode British with the exception of a small number of German BMW’s. The Japanese were noticeable by their total absence as at that time their Imperial forces were trying to conquer China and much of the eastern world rather than motorcycle markets. There were Triumphs, Norton’s, BSA’s and Velocettes in abundance as well as lesser known marques such as OK Supreme, Montgomery, Calthorpe, and O.E.C. The manufacturers’ advertisements extolled the greatness of the British product! Sir Malcolm Campbell proclaimed faith in his Ariel Square Four that he believed “. Without doubt is a very great credit to the British Motorcycle Industry.”  The Model G 350cc Royal Enfield Bullet cost £60 cash and was, it stated, every bit as good as it looks. AJS, manufactured at Plumstead Road in south east London, “ensured success,” whilst for “Really high speed touring the Matchless Big Twin is supreme!”  Norton ensured pride of ownership and if you wanted the best pictures and descriptions of sporting events then, The Motorcycle – The Motor Cyclist’s Newspaper costing 3d every Thursday - was the one to read.

Alongside Bob Humble, Bill Millburn and all the civilian riders, there were, like today, many service and police personnel competing in the rally. There were Corporals, Bombardiers, Lance Sergeants and Sergeants as well as commissioned officers recorded in the programme who must have all known that their adventures on motorbikes would soon be substituted for less welcome adventures. They all knew that on 30th September the previous year, Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain had flown back to London’s Heston airport holding an agreement signed by Adolf Hitler that stated the German leader’s desire never to go to war with Britain again. “Peace in our time!” was the slogan. When, in March 1939 Hitler ordered the invasion of parts of Czechoslovakia the world realised that war was inevitable. Just over a month after the 1939 National Rally, German troops invaded Poland and as a result on 3rd September 1939; Britain, France, Australia and New Zealand declared war on Germany. There would be no more National Rallies for some time!