003 - Chapter 1 - The Author Starts for Berlin on a Motor-cycle and Finds Himself Presently on the Marne -

At just twenty-six, A P Corcoran had already lived a life full of adventure, sailing around the world twice and immersing himself in diverse cultures. His journeys took him deep into the heart of Africa, working on a ranch in Bolivia, and traveling extensively through Europe. With tensions rising in Austria and Serbia and both Germany and France on the verge of war, he returned to England just in time to answer the call for volunteers to join the British Army. When a unique opportunity arose for university graduates to form a corps of motorcycle dispatch riders, he eagerly enlisted with the Royal Engineers Signal Section, embarking on countless daring missions. In the heat of battle, the only means of communication among various units relied on the bravery, ingenuity, and unwavering dedication of motorcycle dispatch riders. Rising from corporal to captain during the war, he transitioned from dispatch riding to serving as Brigade Signal Officer, overseeing essential wireless, telephone, and telegraph communications. Always near the front lines, A P Corcoran and his fellow riders played a crucial role in maintaining the vital flow of information between fighting units. Their motto, “Deliver your dispatch at all costs,” encapsulated the spirit of their Corps. - Summary by Steve C