Bike carried Kaiser's 'surrender'

Owner Brad Jones was "stunned" by the motorcycle's background

A motorcycle believed to have carried the German Kaiser's letter of surrender to the Allies at the end of World War I is to go on show in Denbighshire.

Built in 1916, the 550cc Triumph Model H will take centre stage at the first Llangollen Motorbike Show.

Owner Brad Jones, from Froncysyllte, Wrexham, described the vintage bike as a piece of "world history".

The show is being staged on Saturday and Sunday at the International Eisteddfod showground.

Kaiser Wilhelm II issued the letter on 9 November, 1918, which was followed by his abdication and the declaration of Germany as a republic.

Not only had I got the model I'd been after for some time, but I'd also acquired a bit of world history Brad Jones, owner

Mr Jones said: "I acquired the Triumph back in 1997 for £4,000, with the intention of using it on special occasions.

"It didn't need any work doing to it at all really, which was my main reason for wanting it.

"The bike had been in the same family since the early 1920s, with the father of the person I bought it off being a colonel in the British Army, who kept the bike when he left the forces."

He added: "It came with letters from previous riders of the machine in the London and Brighton areas, stating they believed this was the very bike that carried the letter of surrender from the Kaiser to the Allies in 1918.

The Triumph Model H is powered by a 550cc engine

"I was stunned. Not only had I got the model I'd been after for some time, but I'd also acquired a bit of world history."

The Model H replaced the earlier Model A in 1915 and is considered by many to be the first "modern" motorcycle.

Its 4bhp engine and reputation for reliability earned it the nickname "the trusty Triumph."

Organiser David Green said: "Brad bringing this very important Triumph along is a real coup for the show, and I know interest in it will be extremely high.

"It will be taking centre stage, literally, on the main Eisteddfod stage, which is very apt really as they've both more than done their bit for world peace."

Earlier this year, Wales' biggest motorbike show - the annual Welsh National Motorcycle Show - was cancelled amid fears of violence between rival biker gangs.

The event was due to have been staged at the Royal Welsh showground in Llanelwedd, Powys.