Hi All,
bicycles played an important part in the European war, aiding the resistance in France and other occupied territories.
Although not reliant on fuel, tyre availability was a constant problem, even leading to 'Fake' french bicycle tyres being made in the UK and dropped by parachute to the resistance.
Below is some documentation relating to the difficulties of obtaining tyres at the time.
The first document is undated, but probably around 1940, and apparently to a bicycle shop in the Paris area.
Headed "Distribution of bicycle tyres", it explains that "The goods covered by this invoice represent the quota allocated to you for the month of September...." and goes on to say that the number of tyres allocated have been based on their sales between 1st October 1938 and 31 September 1939.
It also says that they will only be allowed to sell to customers who have obtained an authorisation from the town hall.
Image : surrecta1
Below is a request for two new tyres and a tube, because the bicycle owner had to cycle 14km a day for work in a Sawmill. This was accepted and stamped by the Town Hall in the Vosges region, near Colmar. However, the bicycle shop has counterstamped it that they were only able to supply one tyre.
Image: antan47
From the 9th November 1940, bicycles were individually licensed items, so buying a tyre, and selling it on was likely to cause questions to be asked at the town hall if you applied too often.
A bicycle license, with wartime tax stamps for a lady living in Villeneuve la Garenne, just north of central Paris.
Images: dino1961
Incidentally, Paris was liberated 19th August 1944, so it's interesting to see the 28th August 1944 stamp, and that tax continued until at least 1948.
Best Regards,
Adrian