#754
Post
by Martinski » 09 Dec 2005, 10:18
Hi David,
Many thanks for the info and picture; it is well known.
I try to analyze the order as made by the French Army (or maybe Ministère de Guerre) in 1939. The batch was delivered early 1940 as proves your picture. After the invasion, several 340's were "incorporated" and used by the German Army.
I am now trying to get a more precise idea about the different types and their spare parts. This making use of the original Indian literature (Manuals and Spare Parts Lists).
The main problem is: finding and tracing the kind of pictures as the nice ones people publish on this board. One of my 340's was discovered on a shelf in Shirokoe in the center of Ukraine. It was left by its former "owners" and recovered by an old Ukrainian gentleman. He kept the bike until it was discovered again, so it came back tot Belgium. Now restoring it in its original livry.
But I really do need more pictures as the one you published in your thread. There are more of these around. Could you please also check the book "L'automobile sous l'uniforme 1939-40" (F. Vauvillier) and scan any available Indian 340 pictures for me please? I am in search for this publication until now. Looking forward.
As I do speak and read Russian currently, and also travel frequently (nearly every month) through these vast countries, I came across a number of recovered vehicles of all sorts. Not so long ago, I pictured the wreck of a recovered Panther, used in the Battle of Korsun (for Western people read Cherkassy !). I do own also thousands of pictures of recovered military motorcycles of all sorts. Writing a book about my "adventures" and discoveries now. Will be out Summer 2006. Keep you informed.
If I can help anybody out with translations Russian - English, please feel free to ask. No sweat. I also have access to some Ukrainian and Russian archives because I also help them out with advices and translations.
Again many thanks, looking forward,
Martinski