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Exercise Mercury - 1955

Exercise Mercury: Keith Rogers
"I was senior signals officer for Hartlepool Civil Defence. I won the Civil Defence Exercise Mercury competion at the Northern Tournament on my Royal Enfield 350cc motor bike. Every few years a tournament was held between all northern CD's. We had never won in any category, Ambulance, WRVS, Rescue or Signals.

For the competition we had to deliver a verbal message on our motor bikes at an average speed of 40 mph. Half way round the course they blocked the road so we had to find a new route using the maps provided. I realised that this would slow me down so for the rest of the way I rode flat out to maintain the average. Then there was an obstacle course which I managed without knocking down any markers.

When the results were announced I was mobbed by all the ladies in the WRVS. I was the first person ever to win for Hartlepool and I was presented to the Mayor in the Municipal buildings and presented with a replica cup."

 

 

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