If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. "Formed originally from Royal Signals dispatch riders, they have entertained millions of people over nine decades and done wonders for the Army's recruiting.". The terrifying moment knifeman who slit a 10-year-old boy's throat, stabbed two adults and ran over... Is this the moment Trump learned he'd been fired? A White Helmet is carried on a pole by his colleagues. The squad performed two displays at Fulwood Barracks before a final salute to deputy commander for HQ North West Colonel Philip Harrison. They adopted the White Helmets title in 1963. The decision was made earlier this year to disband the White Helmets as the Royal Signals promotes its 21st century role at the cutting edge of digital technology and cyber warfare. All summer, as for almost a century, they have been entertaining crowds at country shows across the nation. Brian Iddon, 80, from Prescot, was in the White Helmets from 1959 to 1960 and watched the display with wife Sheila, 78. The White Helmets - Royal Signals Motorbike Display Team rode through Blandford Forum in north Dorset in front of hundreds of locals, who braved the threat of rain to see the classic Triumph Tiger 750cc motorcycles ride through the town, Despite only going on a brief trip through their local time, the Triumph Tigers were meticulously prepared by their riders, Hundreds of people lined the streets in Blandford Forum as the display team rode together for the final time, Over the past 90 years, millions of people have witnessed the display team, first on horses and then on motorbikes perform their daring displays which tested the limits of their machines and their highly trained riders, The decision to scrap the White Helmets was made earlier this year to concentrate on the Royal Signals cyber warfare role, Since the 1970s, the team have ridden Triumph Tiger 750cc motorcycles, pictured, to perform their perilous stunts, Members of the public were allowed to inspect the immaculately maintained machines following today's parade, The White Helmets, pictured, are being disbanded by the army as they are viewed as being old fashioned, An Army spokesman said: 'They Royal Corps of Signals have come far since using motorbikes to carry messages across the battlefield, and are now highly trained "Leaders in a Digital Age" with expertise in cyber operations, Members of the public applauded as the motobike display team were seen together in public for the final time, Leap of faith: The 1938 team demonstrate just how must trust they have in their captain, Smashing show: A White Helmet blasts through a brick wall in 1953 - the team later abandoned the trick, Look, no helmet! Their final full public performance was at the Preston Military Show, where dozens of veterans of the display team attended. An Army spokesman said: 'The Royal Corps of Signals have come far since using motorbikes to carry messages across the battlefield, and are now highly trained "Leaders in a Digital Age" with expertise in cyber operations. An Army spokesman said: "The Royal Signals has come a very long way since those formative days using motorbikes to carry messages across the battlefield. It's been a real honour to be part of the White Helmets and it's very special to be doing our last public show in Preston.". By using this site, you agree we can set and use cookies. 2017 will be the last season for the iconic White Helmets Royal Signals Motorcycle Display Team.'. 'And also, to be here at the end, whilst it is a sad thing to do, it is a very proud moment for us – especially on the last show, it will certainly be a proud moment for everybody involved.'. Among the crowds gathered at Fulwood Barracks for the display were veterans including 101-year-old Walter Pritchard, from Prescot, Merseyside, and 94-year-old Lewis Banham, from Burnley, Lancashire, who were dispatch riders for the Royal Signals in the Second World War. The final displays saw riders drive through a ring of fire and show off a range of stunts including riding the bikes backwards. The unit was formed in 1927 to showcase the skills used to carry messages in combat. The White Helmets were an internationally acclaimed motorcycle display team of The Royal Corps of Signals. Well received, it led to the combination of a motor-cycle and equestrian display team which later the ‘White Helmets’ motor-cycle display team. Demonstrating their skills at the Motorcycle Gymkhana at the Great Barking Carnival in 1935, Rung-ho: Rehearsing the Forward Ladder in 1953. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. Dispatch riders would mess around on their motorcycles in their spare time as they … Capt McLelland said he understood the reasons for the decision to disband and was proud to be a member of the final line-up. After 90 years it has been decided to disband the White Helmets Motorcycle Display Team, because they are 'outdated'. However, as a cost-cutting measure, the unit - who wowed crowds by jumping through fire and other acrobatic feats - have been mothballed. Seen as 'too old fashioned', the White Helmets, who were used as a recruitment tool, were once described as the Red Arrows of the Road.