Motorcycle Display Team - Military Genealogy

Dates: 1927 -

The Royal Signals White Helmets are the oldest and best known Motorcycle Display Team in the World. The Team was formed in 1927 as a combined display of Horsemanship and Motorcycle riding skills by Royal Signals Dispatch Riders.

The team of 30 volunteer soldiers from the Corps that make up the Royal Signals White Helmets tour Britain from April to September every year demonstrating all the personal qualities demanded of the modern Royal Signals soldier.

The riders, all of whom have successfully completed an arduous induction process in the winter and spring months to gain the right to wear the coveted white helmet, are all qualified Tradesmen in the Corps.

By giving their traditional, thrilling and disciplined arena displays on British Millennium Triumph 750cc motorcycles they clearly show all the qualities of teamwork, courage, trust, strength and agility that are needed in the modern Army. In their immaculate uniforms, the Team performs spectacular feats of balance, death defying crossover rides and outstanding acrobatics.

This record-holding team has existed as a recognised organisation since the first public displays of joint precision horsemanship and motorcycle riding were given by instructors and students from the Signal Training Centre in Yorkshire in 1927. Respected and consulted throughout the world, and envied by many, the Royal Signals White Helmets is a popular element of the Corps and makes a valuable contribution to keeping the Army in the public eye, showing off the Corps, and indeed representing Britain at events throughout the world.