M42 Truppenfahrrad
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![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a1/Bundesarchiv_Bild_101I-009-0870-04A%2C_Russland-Nord%2C_Vormarsch_durch_Lettland.jpg/220px-Bundesarchiv_Bild_101I-009-0870-04A%2C_Russland-Nord%2C_Vormarsch_durch_Lettland.jpg)
German soldiers with their M42 bicycles, Soviet Union 1941
The M42 Truppenfahrrad was a military bicycle issued to the Heer and Waffen SS during World War II. Special equipment for military use was: the steering bar, the saddle, the toolbox (which could be fitted with two grenades) and the porter at the back. On the steering bar were holders mounted for holding a variety of items, such as a half-shelter tent, clothing, and panzerfausts. The mid-section could be fitted to hold machineguns. The headlamp was made to work with dynamo and/or battery.
Numerous units of the German ground forces were equipped with bicycles. In addition to aiding troops in their movement, they were also used to deliver mail and maintain connections between a general and his troops, and for other purposes.
Categories:
- World War II vehicles of Germany
- Bicycle models
- Military vehicles introduced from 1940 to 1944
- Military bicycles
- German World War II stubs