Harold Daniell

Was born the same year that Bemsee was founded 1909, as a youngster his first bike was a Norton 18, given to him by his father,  which he admits got him nicked by the constabulary a few times, so he chose to pursue speed off road.

He first raced at Crystal Palace in 1928, not the same circuit we know from the 60’s. It was in 1929 that he won the Crystal Palace Championship, he became great friends with Gordon Cobbold who was also racing there. He set up a bike shop with his brother Ron next door to Crystal Palace.  His first venture to the IOM was 1920, however it wasn’t until 1933 that he won the senior Manx GP on a Norton.

His first race at Brooklands was in October 1932 the last race of the day which he won again on a Norton. He continued to race at Brooklands Crystal Palace and Donington until the outbreak of WWII  His eyesight barred him from active service and he went to work for Napiers as an Aeronautical Inspector.

Racing resumed in 1946, his first race was at the North Weald airfield, he returned to the IOM in 1947 again racing a Norton quite successfully,  He is credited with coining the name “Featherbed Frame” to Norton during a speech he made at a prize giving at Villa Marina in 1949, one which stayed with the brand for a long time. Harold joined the Bemsee board in 1949 after serving on the committee since 1947, he was an active member promoting the club’s meetings, he was Chairman of the club at the time of his death from a stroke in 1967.

The club produced a booklet to celebrate his motorcycling achievements with contributions from his peers of the time, which can be read by clicking on the pdf link below