description
Object description
Ancillary Equipment, Tandem Cycle frame with generator/dynamo, German
Physical description
yes
German tandem cycle frame with an aluminium generator /dynamo.
History note
This bicycle frame generated electricity by two-
man pedal power. The dynamo generated
electricity for trench wireless equipment and the
lighting of dugouts during the First World War.
See letter 6810 of 24 July 1918 in T/Trophies/G.H.Q. France
"It is exactly like a tandem bicycle without its wheels. I am not sure if it ever was a bicycle. Anyhow two men sit on the ususal seats and work the machine just as if they were pedalling a bicycle and thus work a small aluminium dynamo fixed on behind. It is believed that the Germans employed defaulters in this way to make electric light for their dugout".
Inscription
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