# Royal Enfield WD/RE > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Royal_Enfield_WD%2FRE > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Royal_Enfield_WD%2FRE.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Enfield_WD%2FRE > Source revision: 1343741235 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) For the Flying Flea aircraft, see [Mignet Pou-du-Ciel](/source/Mignet_Pou-du-Ciel). Type of motorcycle Royal Enfield WD/RE 1943 WD/RE Manufacturer Royal Enfield Also called Flying Flea Production 1942–1945 Predecessor RE 125 Successor RE 125 Class Military Engine 126 cc air-cooled two stroke single[1] Top speed 45 mph (72 km/h)[2] Power 3.5 hp @ 4,500[2] Transmission three-speed, chain final drive Suspension fixed Brakes drum Dimensions L: 75 in (190 cm) W: 26 in (66 cm) Weight 130 lb (59 kg)[2] (wet) Fuel consumption 130 mpg (2.1L/100km)[2] Related RT 100 The **Royal Enfield WD/RE** known as the "Flying Flea" was a lightweight [British](/source/United_Kingdom) [motorcycle](/source/Motorcycle) developed by [Royal Enfield](/source/Royal_Enfield_(England)) for the British [War Office](/source/War_Office) (the WD came from [War Department](/source/War_Department_(United_Kingdom))) as a means of transport that could be dropped by [parachute](/source/Parachute) or carried in [gliders](/source/Military_glider), to quickly carry messages and signals between airborne and assault troops where radio communications were not in place.[3] ## Development In 1938, the German government stopped the Dutch importer of the [DKW RT 100](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/DKW_RT_100) motorcycle, RS Stokvis and Sons, from receiving any more supplies, because the Stokvis was Jewish. Stokvis asked Royal Enfield to produce a similar motorcycle.[4] Royal Enfield's replacement for the RT100 was designed by Ted Pardoe, who enlarged the engine to 125cc. Two prototypes under the name "Royal Baby" were shown at Rotterdam in April 1939.[2] Using a less sophisticated but increased-capacity two-stroke engine in the same frame, a few of these Model RE motorcycles were made before the outbreak of the [Second World War](/source/World_War_II). As with other British motorcycle manufacturers, Royal Enfield factory production was turned over to the war effort. Military motorcycles included the [WD/D](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Royal_Enfield_WD/D&action=edit&redlink=1) 250 cc side-valve; [WD/C](/source/Royal_Enfield_WD%2FC) 350 cc side-valve, the and the [WD/L](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Royal_Enfield_WD/L&action=edit&redlink=1) 570 cc side-valve; and [WD/CO](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Royal_Enfield_WD/CO&action=edit&redlink=1) 350 cc overhead valve. Early in 1942, the [War Office](/source/War_Office) ordered twenty WD/RE motorcycles from Royal Enfield for testing. Based on the 1939 civilian RE, the prototype had a right-hand brake and was fitted with an [Amal](/source/Amal_(carburettor)) carburettor and had a low-mounted toolbox. The trials went well and led to some modifications, including fitting a twin-box exhaust system to help silence the noisy two stroke engine, a [Villiers](/source/Villiers_Engineering) carburettor (indicated by a "V" on the engine), raising the toolbox and fitting a folding kick-start, footrests and folding handlebars, so that it could be packed into the smallest possible space. A Miller lighting system was added, together with a sealed vent on the fuel filler to prevent spillage when the motorcycle was packed in a drop carrier. The foot brake was also relocated to the left side.[3] 1943 WD/RE The reason the War Office wanted such a lightweight motorcycle was to establish communications between troops who had been dropped by parachute and front line forces, who could be some distance away or out of radio contact. The motorcycle had to be able to land without too much damage. Experiments were begun in summer 1942 to develop a protective cradle to completely encase the motorcycle. Different versions were tested by dropping them from the bomb racks of aircraft such as the [Halifax](/source/Handley_Page_Halifax) and [Lancaster](/source/Avro_Lancaster) bombers. As well as surviving the drop, the cradles also had to be easy to remove on landing. The prototypes met neither requirement, as they were too light and bent the wheels on impact. Eventually a design was developed that worked with heavier tubing and increased bracing. In December 1942, production began at Royal Enfield's Calton Hill factory in [Edinburgh](/source/Edinburgh).[3] A British Army paratrooper in 1944, demonstrating the portability of the WD/RE The first significant orders for the Royal Enfield WD/RE were placed early in 1943, but only a few were actually parachute into the battle zone, as it was decided to load them into troop carrying gliders four at a time without the protective frames, and secured by a special harness instead. WD/RE motorcycles were also used for beach landings in 1943 and 1944, and were carried inside landing craft for communication between the beaches and the nearest front line forces.[3] Early production examples were fitted with a small tail light and military-issue headlamp cowl to help hide the motorcycles and riders from enemy aircraft. The WD/RE could run on any petrol, and its light weight meant that soldiers could carry it over otherwise impassable terrain.[2] ## Post war 1946 civilian Royal Enfield RE There was a huge demand for cheap and reliable transport after the war, so WD/RE's that were war surplus were stripped down and repainted for civilian use. Most of this work was done at Enfield's [Bradford-on-Avon](/source/Bradford-on-Avon) works in [Wiltshire](/source/Wiltshire). A few military Royal Enfield WD/RE motorcycles remained in limited military use until the end of the 1940s.[5] Royal Enfield developed a civilian version in the post war years: the RE 125. Early examples had hand gear change and a girder front fork. In 1950, the RE was updated with foot gear change and a telescopic front fork with damped springing. In 1951 the RE2 was introduced, with a redesigned frame and engine. RE2 production ended in 1953, when the Royal Enfield Ensign superseded it.[2] ## 21st-century Flying Flea Flying Flea C6 [concept](/source/Concept_car) motorcycle On 11 February 2020, Eicher Motors Limited, the parent company of Royal Enfield, registered for a new trademark for "Royal Enfield Flying Flea" with UIPO, the European Union Intellectual Property Office, sparking the hope in the motorcycle community that the name would be revived with a new small displacement motorcycle.[6] On 4 November 2024, Royal Enfield announced that it would revive the Flying Flea name as a both a model and a brand, as a range of lightweight electric motorcycles. The first models announced were the C6 and S6.[7]It is styled as a low-slung [bobber](/source/Bobber_(motorcycle)) and built on a forged aluminium frame with a girder-style fork at the front and a monoshock suspension at the rear. It shares design cues with the WD/RE. It is also outfitted with a circular [headlamp](/source/Headlamp), teardrop-shaped faux fuel tank, and a single circular TFT display . It features a quick removable pillion seat that converts it to a classic solo look in just a few minutes. ## See also - [Welbike](/source/Welbike) – a compact motorcycle for SOE use, parachute dropped at Arnhem ([Operation Market Garden](/source/Operation_Market_Garden)) - [BSA Bantam](/source/BSA_Bantam) – a motorcycle based on the [DKW RT 125](/source/DKW_RT_125) ## References 1. **[^](#cite_ref-walker_motorcycle_evolution_1-0)** Walker, Mick (2006). *Motorcycle: Evolution, Design, Passion*. The Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 45. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0801885303](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0801885303). 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Koenen_flying_flea_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Koenen_flying_flea_2-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Koenen_flying_flea_2-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Koenen_flying_flea_2-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Koenen_flying_flea_2-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-Koenen_flying_flea_2-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-Koenen_flying_flea_2-6) Koenen, Philip (November–December 2012). ["The Flying Flea: 1948 Royal Enfield RE125"](http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/classic-british-motorcycles/royal-enfield-re125-zm0z12ndzbea.aspx). *Motorcycle Classics*. **8** (2): 66–69. Retrieved 21 December 2012. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Forces_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Forces_3-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Forces_3-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Forces_3-3) Orchard, C. J.; Madden S.J. (1997). *British Forces Motorcycles 1925 - 45*. Suton Publishing Ltd. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-7509-1445-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-7509-1445-1). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-Bantam_4-0)** Henshaw, Peter (2008). [*The BSA Bantam Bible*](https://books.google.com/books?id=R83apsln2NIC&q=dkw+rt+100+flying+flea&pg=PT13). Veloce Publishing. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1845841591](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1845841591). Retrieved 23 April 2009. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-Ward_5-0)** Ward, Ian (1987). *Great British Bikes*. Macdonald & Co. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-7481-0020-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-7481-0020-0). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Royal Enfield Flying Flea"](https://euipo.europa.eu/eSearch/#details/trademarks/018194843). *EUIPO*. European Union Intellectual Property Office. Retrieved 13 February 2020. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["Royal Enfield Flying Flea C6 Electric Bike First Look"](https://www.cycleworld.com/bikes/royal-enfield-flying-flea-c6-electric-bike-first-look/)., v t e British Commonwealth soft-skinned vehicles of the Second World War Artillery tractors AEC Matador Albion CX22S Albion FT15N CMP FAT Guy Quad-Ant FAT Morris CDSW Morris C8 FAT Scammell Pioneer Tank transporters AEC 850 Diamond T tank transporter Mack EXBX Scammell Pioneer White-Ruxtall 922 Trucks and lorries Austin K2/Y Austin K5 Bedford MW Bedford OXD Bedford OYD Bedford QL CMP Truck Commer Q2 Fordson WOT 1, 2, 3, 6 & 8 Guy Ant Karrier K6 Leyland Hippo (Mk I & Mk II) Leyland Lynx Leyland Retriever Mack EH series Mack NM series Morris PU Morris CS8 (15cwt) Morris C9 Peerless TC4 Thornycroft Nubian Thornycroft Tartar Utility and cars Car, 4-Seater 4×2 Humber FWD Car, Light Utility ("Tilly") Motorcycles Ariel W/NG 350 BSA M20 Harley-Davidson WLA Indian 741 Matchless G3/L Norton 16H Royal Enfield WD/RE Welbike ## External links - [Video featuring Royal Enfield Flying Flea](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FdFkf7SS5M) --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Royal Enfield WD/RE](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Enfield_WD%2FRE) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Enfield_WD%2FRE?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.