[franksolich]

"Ping" for the usual suspects.

[ScottFromSpokane]

Probably for messengers to use.

[mainepatsfan]

It was to help them get inland as fast as possible.

[ScottFromSpokane]

http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/5265/militaryhpvhistory.htm:

"•1939-1945, World War II: During World War II in Europe, bicycles were used behind the lines by both sides, especially by the Germans, and Finns. The Germans invaded Poland in 1939 using troops on bicycles being pulled by ropes attached to motor vehicles. Germans used them heavily in the conquest of Norway.

"Resistance teams used them in occupied countries much as the IRA did in Ireland. Canadian troops carried them along on D-Day. Paratroopers on both sides used them in large numbers. Japanese Paratroopers had a small-wheeled folding bike with high-rise handlebars."

Doesn't say exactly why, though.

[stuartcr]

http://bcoy1cpb.pacdat.net/bsa_in_action.htm

"The BSA airborne bicycle was used in battle, but probably not as originally planned.
The plan appears to have been that the bicycles would be mass produced and make the airborne soldiers mobile once they had landed. It was better and faster than walking."

[Deaf Smith]

It was reported that one Canadian carried a car door with him.

When asked why, it was said that if he got hot, he could roll the window down.

[Cagey]

Canadian Troops Landing at Juno Beach June 6, 1944 Photographer: Gilbert Milne Library and Archives Canada