By Alex Chronopoulos
It's a long, long way to Tipperary, but not when you have your trusted bicycle.
This year marks the centennial of the start of the First World War, and shown above is a Canadian soldier greeting his family in 1914 on the outskirts of Hamilton.
Their next four years will surely be filled with tears, remembrance and appreciation: for the service of the millions of those who did their bit, but also for the bicycle. During the Great War, both the Allies and the Germans employed bicycle infantries to commute to the front lines, deliver messages and keep watch for anticipated enemy attacks.
Bicycles saved lives on the front and 100 years later still command respect.
For more information on Cycling Warfare, look here.
Related on the dandyBLOG:
Flashback Friday: Pushing up St. Clair
Flashback Friday: Blessing bicycles past and present
Flashback Friday: Bicycle race at the Scarborough veledrome