Many thanks for your replies.
I have poked around in the remnants of the hole and found muck in the bottom so now I see there is approx 7/16" deep pilot hole which makes more sense for the thread for the stud to fit.
I'll be off to Exactweld in UK soon to pick up other (Triumph!) part so will see if they can do a "while you wait" service on building the lug, boss ... protrusion or whatever back up to shape.
Now got crankcase split to sort out big end. Good news is that it doesn't look like it's been apart before. Picture attached.
Best regards to all.
P.S. Tim if you are in the UK for a while and getting bored, you are most welcome to visit sunny Sussex!