Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

Contents

Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd - Fleet History 1915-1971 Page 3

Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd - Fleet List 1915-1945 Page 9

Cover Illustration: No. S304 (NBL734) was a 1957 Bristol SC4LK with ECW 35-seat bodywork. (LTHL collection).

© The Local Transport History Library 2020. (www.lthlibrary.org.uk) For personal use only. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transmitted or distributed in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical or otherwise without the express written permission of the publisher. In all cases this notice must remain intact. All rights reserved. First published 2020.

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Page 2 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

The Thames Valley Traction Company Limited was incorporated on the 10 July 1920 by the British Automobile Traction Company Ltd (BAT) an offshoot of the British Electric Traction Co Ltd (BET), but its roots can be traced back even further to 1915 when it started life as the Thames Valley Branch.

On the 31 July 1915 the very first service (between and Streatley - a distance of some 23½ miles) was inaugurated. However, an order for 20 J-types had been delayed because of Thorny- croft's involvement in providing chassis for the military during the war, so alternative vehicles were drafted in from Barnsley & District (another BAT company) to commence the service. The company's first garage was sited in Caversham Road, Reading.

Due to the ongoing war the BAT had difficulty securing new vehicles. This was overcome by using lorry chassis fitted with second-hand bodies sourced from other BAT companies and this enabled new routes in the area to be opened up. A second garage at Bridge Street, Maidenhead was opened early in 1916. This was in the grounds of a large house called 'The Cedars' and a new route between Windsor and Cookham established.

In 1919, following the cessation of , the previously ordered Thornycroft J's began to arrive. This enabled many of the older chassis to be withdrawn and the fleet updated. New routes were quickly established, centred on Maidenhead and Reading and tours and excursions

Page 3 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945] commenced. A number of second-hand bodies were acquired and fitted to new Thornycroft chassis for the summer season. This became a feature of Thames Valley's operations over the following years.

Following the incorporation of the company in 1920 several operating agreements were made. A territorial agreement with neighbouring & District was established, as was a protective fares agreement with Reading Corporation. An arrangement with the General Omnibus Company (LGOC) to operate routes on contract in the Uxbridge area was also agreed, which also included a depot in Road, Denham, although this expired in the 31 December 1928 and the services and garage reverted to the LGOC. By 1920 services had reached Newbury, Wallingford, Mortimer, Riseley Common, Crowthorne, Sunningdale, Staines, Cliveden, West Wycombe and Stoke Row. Garages were established in Reading (Somerset Place) in 1922 and Maidenhead (Bridge St.), Ascot and in 1924.

From 1924 onwards, the company carried out a programme of converting all its normal control vehicles to forward control, so that more spacious bodies could be fitted. At the same time the BAT's saxon green livery with gold fleetname, that had been used from 1915 was changed to a red and white livery.

In 1926 the share capital was increased. Thomas Tilling Ltd had already purchased a 14% stake in the company in 1920 and purchased another 25%

Page 4 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945] now and it was not surprising that following this many of the new vehicles were of Tilling-Stevens manufacture, although subsequently Leyland became the favoured marque. In November 1930 the (GWR) purchased a 35% stake in the company and transferred operations of its services at Maidenhead, Twyford, Newbury and Windsor to Thames Valley. At the same time the Southern Railway purchased a 15% stake, although no services were involved. In April 1932 more GWR services, based on , were taken over.

In May 1928 a new head office was opened at 83 Lower Thorn Street in Reading adjacent to the garage which was completely rebuilt and enlarged in 1933, at the same time an additional storey was added to the office building.

In 1931 Thames Valley purchased shares in London Coastal Coaches Ltd who were in the process of constructing in London, this subsequently became the terminus for the company's Reading to London express services.

During the 1930's many of Thames Valley's smaller competitors were acquired along with vehicles and services, which brought a motley collection of non-standard chassis into the fleet. Among the larger concerns acquired were Marlow & District Motor Services, which had been established in March 1925 by the Claytons, a well-known Marlow family who

Page 5 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945] had a major interest in the Karrier company. Therefore the company used Karrier vehicles on its routes which extended to High Wycombe, Maidenhead, Henley and Wokingham. The company was taken over by Thames Valley in 1929 but retained its independent identity until 1933. The Ledbury Transport Company, which traded under the name ‘Thackray’s Way’ was a Reading-based operator that, among other things, ran an express service to London using a fleet of coaches mostly made by High Wycombe-based Gilford. It had started operations in 1929 but was acquired by the in 1935 who passed it to Thames Valley early in 1936. The London route continued and became service B, Thames Valley having already started a Reading to London express service but via Ascot which became service A. Ledbury also brought with it a garage at Cemetery Junction which Thames Valley used for overhauls and as a paintshop.

With the onset of World War II in 1939 Thames Valley had a number of vehicles impressed by the War Department and had to be replaced by hired vehicles in order to maintain services. The company only managed to acquire 22 new vehicles over the duration of the war due to austerity measures, and it was not until after the cessation of the war that Thames Valley were able to acquire sufficient new vehicles to update the fleet. On the 1 January 1948 Tilling Motor Services Ltd (the major shareholder in Thames Valley) sold out to the British Transport Commission (BTC) and Thames Valley became a nationalised company. Tilling also owned the manufacturing works of Bristol and (ECW) and these

Page 6 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945] were now supplied solely to nationalised companies; the company's first Bristol/ECW vehicles arriving in 1951.

In 1950 the Red & White group also sold out to the BTC which transferred two of its subsidiaries to Thames Valley management. Newbury & District gave the company its first real presence in west (along with a garage) and was soon absorbed, but Oxford-based South Midland, which operated express services to London, the South Coast and Worcester was retained as a wholly separate subsidiary, although it was transferred to the City of Oxford Motor Services in 1971.

In common with other operators, Thames Valley began to suffer from falling passenger numbers and shortage of staff during the 1960's and in an effort to keep costs down a move to one man operation began. To stem the recruitment problem all suitable single decks and routes were converted to one-man-operation as were double decks when the law (and suitable vehicles) allowed. But as each year passed services contracted in coverage and frequency. There was, however, a brief respite from this trend when new town was established together with a new garage which replaced Ascot.

In 1968 the Transport Holding Company (the successor to the BTC) purchased the bus operations of the BET group and on the 1 January 1969 the National Bus Company (NBC) was formed to integrate the services of the former

Page 7 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

Tilling and BET companies. The NBC in its wisdom decided the way forward was to amalgamate its constituent companies into larger operating units. As a result Thames Valley was amalgamated with the neighbouring Aldershot & District Traction Company Ltd from 1 January 1972 to form a new company - the Thames Valley and Aldershot Omnibus Company Ltd, which traded under the contrived name of '', bringing to an end the separate existence of the Thames Valley Traction Company after 52 years of service.

Page 8 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

Bus Fleet List Part 1: 1915-1945

This listing is in the format - Year into stock; Fleet No; Reg. No; Chassis; Chassis No; Body; Seating.

1915

- DP1655-60 Belsize 3-ton ? Tilling B26R - HE8 Leyland S3.30.T S210/955 Brush B27F - HE9 Leyland S3.30.T S267/1036 Brush B27F - HE10 Leyland S3.30.T S249/995 Brush B27F - HE11 Leyland S3.30.T S256/1028 Brush B27F - HE12 Leyland S3.30.T S253/1020 Brush B27F

The bodies on DP1655-1660 were second-hand from other BAT companies that had been removed from chassis impressed by the War Department. They probably dated from around 1913/14. HE8-12 ex-Barnsley & District Electric Traction Co Ltd (Nos. 1-5; new 1913); HE10 and HE11 had chassis numbers shown but the order is uncertain; HE8 is also quoted with chassis number S194/941. Withdrawn 1916 (HE8-12), 1919 (DP1655-1660).

Page 9 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

Awaiting departure on the inaugural service on 31 July 1915 is HE12, a 1913 Leyland S3 with Brush 27-seat bodywork, acquired from Barnsley & District Traction Company. (LTHL collection). Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

Remarkably HE12 survives today in preservation after a painstaking restoration by Mike Sutcliffe. It is seen here at Crich Tramway Museum in Barnsley & District’s BET green livery. (LTHL collection). Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1916

- DP1756-57 Belsize 3-ton ? Tilling B26R - DP1759 Belsize 3-ton ? ? B??? - DP1794-95 Belsize 3-ton ? Brush B26R - DP1798 Belsize 3-ton ? ? B??? - DP1801 Belsize 3-ton ? ? B??? - DP1826-27 Belsize 3-ton ? Brush B26R

The Tilling bodies were second-hand from other BAT companies that had been removed from chassis impressed by the War Department. They probably dated from around 1913/14. The Brush bodies were new. Withdrawn 1919 (DP1756-1757, DP1759, DP1794-1795, DP1798, DP1801, DP1826- 1827).

Page 12 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1919

244-247 DP2111-14 Thornycroft J 7084/52/62/74 Tilling B26R 248-251 DP2115-18 Thornycroft J 95/97/96/120 Tilling B26R 252-255 DP2119-22 Thornycroft J 7117/54/66/209 Brush B26R 259 DP2123 Thornycroft J 7283 Birch B26R 260-262 DP2124-26 Thornycroft J 7305/11/14 Birch B26R 263 DP2127 Thornycroft J 7572 Birch B32R 275 DP2128 Thornycroft J 7580 Birch B32R 276 DP2129 Thornycroft J 7144 Bayleys B24D 278 DP2130 Thornycroft J 7583 Harrington Ch28 279-280 DP2377-78 Thornycroft J 7647/52 Lorry/Bus B32R 283 DP2127 AEC YC 14398 Birch B32R 290 DP2128 AEC YC 14417 Birch B32R 292 DP2130 AEC YC 14419 Harrington Ch28

Nos. 244-251 received the Tilling bodies from withdrawn Belsize chassis DP1655-60 and DP1756-57. No. 244 to Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 7/20 re-numbered 1; converted to forward control and re-bodied with Brush O28/26RO body in 1926. No. 245 to Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 7/20 re-numbered 2; received the LGOC O18/16RO body from No. 41 in 1923; converted to forward control and

Page 13 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1919 (continued) re-bodied with Brush O28/26RO body in 1924; received the Dodson O26/24RO body from No. 127 in 1927. No. 246 exchanged bodies with No. 278 in 5/20 receiving the Harrington Ch28 body carrying registration DP2130; to Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 7/20 re-numbered 3; converted to forward control and re-bodied with Brush O28/26RO body in 1926. No. 247 re-bodied by Brush to B32F in 1920 re-numbered 298 and re-registered DP2605; to Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 7/20 re-numbered 4; re-seated to B29F 11/21. No. 248 re-bodied by Brush to B32F in 1920; to Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 7/20 re-numbered 5. No. 249 to Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 7/20 re-numbered 6; exchanged bodies with No. 14 in 4/22 receiving the Birch B26R body; re-seated to B23R in 5/22. No. 250 re-bodied by Brush to B32F in 1920; to Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 7/20 re-numbered 7; re-seated to B29F in 1927. No. 251 to Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 7/20 re-numbered 8; converted to forward control and re-bodied by Brush to O28/26RO in 1925. Nos. 252-255 received the Brush bodies from withdrawn Belsize chassis DP1794-95 and DP1826-27.

Page 14 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1919 (continued)

Nos. 252-254 to Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 7/20 re-numbered 9-11 respectively. No. 255 exchanged bodies with No. 260 by 7/20 receiving the Birch B26R body; to Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 7/20 re-numbered 12; re-seated to B23R in 5/22. No. 259 to Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 7/20 re-numbered 14; exchanged bodies with No. 6 in 4/22 receiving the Tilling B26R body; received the LGOC O18/16RO body from No. 44 in 3/23; converted to forward control and re-bodied with Brush O28/26RO body in 1924; fitted with the Dodson O26/24RO body from No. 128 in 7/28. No. 260 exchanged bodies with No. 255 by 7/20 receiving the Brush B26R body; to Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 7/20 re-numbered 15; re-seated to B22R in 5/22. No. 261 re-bodied by Brush to B32F in 1920; to Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 7/20 re-numbered 16; re-seated to B29F in 2/22. No. 262 to Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 7/20 re-numbered 17; re-seated to B23R 5/22. No. 263 to Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 7/20 re-numbered 19; re-seated to B26R c.1920; received the Hora B28F body from No. 41 in 8/22; converted

Page 15 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1919 (continued) to forward control and re-bodied with Brush O28/26RO in 5/25. No. 275 to Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 7/20 re-numbered 18; re-seated to B26R c.1920; re-seated to B23R in 6/22. No. 276 to Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 7/20 re-numbered 13; rebuilt as Ch28 following an accident in 4/21; converted to forward control and re-bodied with Brush O28/26RO body in 2/26. Nos. 279-80 were probably built for War Department use and had rear entrance with wooden bench seats and canvas roof. No. 278 exchanged bodies with No. 246 in 5/20 receiving the Tilling B26R body carrying registration DP2113; to Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 7/20 re-numbered 20; converted to forward control and re-bodied by Brush to O28/26RO in 2/26. No. 279 re-bodied by Brush to B32F in 6/20; to Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 7/20 re-numbered 21; re-bodied with Birch Ch28 body 3/21. No. 280 re-bodied by Brush to B32F in 6/20; to Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 7/20 re-numbered 22; re-seated to B29F in 3/22. Nos. 283, 290, 292 were obtained pending the delivery of the Thornycroft chassis. No. 283 fitted with Birch experimental B32R body with tip-up gangway seats. The body and registration (DP2127) were subsequently transferred to Thornycroft No. 263.

Page 16 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1919 (continued)

No. 290 fitted with Birch experimental B32R body with tip-up gangway seats. The body and registration (DP2128) were subsequently transferred to Thornycroft No. 275. No. 292 fitted with second-hand Harrington Ch28 body. The body and registration (DP2130) were subsequently transferred to Thornycroft No. 278. Withdrawn 1919 (283, 290, 292), 1923 (252[9], 253[10], 254[11]), c.1927 (279[21]), 1928 (245[2], 247[4], 248[5], 249[6], 250[7], 255[12], 259[14], 260[15], 261[16], 262[17], 275[18]), 1929 (251[8], 263[19], 280[22]), 1931 (244[1], 246[3], 276[13], 278[20]).

Page 17 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

Typical of the Thornycroft chassis purchased by Thames Valley in the early years is this unidentified vehicle. Possibly No. 52 (MO307), dating from 1917, which was converted to forward control and re-bodied by Ransomes to B32R in 1924. (The Bus Archive). Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1920

247 DP2114 Thornycroft J 7720 Tilling B26R 310 KN3652 Thornycroft J 7329 LGOC O18/16RO 311 KN2873 Thornycroft J 7117 LGOC O18/16RO 316 DP2600 Thornycroft J 6613 Birch B26R 336 DP2597 Thornycroft J 2992 Brush B32F 337 DP2599 Thornycroft J 5063 Tilling B26R 338 DP2598 Thornycroft J 4157 Brush B32F 339 DP2602 Thornycroft J 3268 Brush B32F 340 DP2601 Thornycroft J 9003 Brush B32F 341 DP2603 Thornycroft J 4721 Brush B32F 352 DP2604 Thornycroft J 6815 Brush B32F 353 DP2606 Thornycroft J 2871 Tilling B26R

No. 247 purchased as chassis only 8/19; fitted with Tilling B26R body from 1919 Thornycroft DP2114 (also No. 247) retaining registration plates; transferred to Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 7/20 re-numbered 23; converted to forward control and re-bodied by Brush to O28/26RO by 2/26. Nos. 310, 311 ex-East Kent Road Car Company (new 1919 to Sayer & Sons, ); re-bodied by Brush to B32F 6/20; transferred to Thames Valley

Page 19 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1920 (continued)

Traction Co Ltd 7/20 re-numbered 25, 26 respectively; re-seated to B29F 10/21. Nos. 316, 336-339, 341, 352-353 ex-War Department lorry chassis (new 1918, 1915, 1917, 1916, 1916, 1917, 1918, 1915 respectively). No. 316 fitted with Birch body from No. 261 (DP2125); transferred to Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 7/20 re-numbered 24; re-seated to B23R 6/22. No. 336 fitted with new Brush B32F body; transferred to Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 7/20 re-numbered 28; re-seated to B29F 9/22. No. 337 fitted with 1913 Tilling B26R body from No. 248 or No. 250; transferred to Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 7/20 re-numbered 27. No. 338 fitted with new Brush B32F body; transferred to Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 7/20 re-numbered 30; re-seated to B29F 12/21. No. 339 fitted with new Brush B32F body; transferred to Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 7/20 re-numbered 31. No. 340 transferred to Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 7/20 re-numbered 29; re-seated to B29F 2/21. No. 341 fitted with new Brush B32F body; transferred to Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 7/20 re-numbered 32; re-seated to B29F 8/22. No. 352 fitted with new Brush B32F body; transferred to Thames Valley

Page 20 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1920 (continued)

Traction Co Ltd 7/20 re-numbered 33; body removed and used as lorry 9/20-3/21; fitted with Birch Ch28 canvas roofed body 3/21. No. 353 fitted with 1913 Tilling B26R body from No. 248 or no. 250; transferred to Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 7/20 re-numbered 34; fitted with LGOC O18/16RO body from No. 38 3/23; converted to forward control and re-bodied by Brush to O28/26RO by 5/24; fitted with Dodson O26/24RO body from No. 130 1/28. Withdrawn 1923 (337[27]), 1927 (352[33]), 1928 (310[25], 311[26], 316[24], 338[30], 353[34]), 1929 (336[28], 339[31], 340[29], 341[32]), 1931 (247[23]).

1921

35 DP3647 Thornycroft J 4914 Birch Ch28 36 DP3633 Thornycroft J 6419 Birch Ch28

Nos. 35, 36 ex-War Department lorry chassis (new 1917, 1918 respective- ly); fitted with new Birch canvas roofed Ch28 bodies. Withdrawn 1927 (35, 36).

Page 21 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1922

37 BL9892 Thornycroft J 5274 LGOC O18/16RO 38 BL9752 Thornycroft J 5370 LGOC O18/16RO 39 MO52 Thornycroft J 4676 LGOC O18/16RO 40-41 DX2174-75 Thornycroft J 7466/52 Hora B28F 42 DX2173 Thornycroft J 7463 Hora B28F 43 MO129 Thornycroft J 5051 LGOC O18/16RO 44 BL9751 Thornycroft J 5353 LGOC O18/16RO 45 MO51 Thornycroft J 6000 LGOC O18/16RO 46 MO128 Thornycroft J 4529 LGOC O18/16RO 47 MO62 Thornycroft J 4741 LGOC O18/16RO 48-49 MO159-60 Thornycroft J 2580/3145 LGOC O18/16RO 50-51 MO150-51 Thornycroft J 4465/68 LGOC O18/16RO 52 MO307 Thornycroft J 4749 LGOC O18/16RO 53 MO158 Thornycroft J 2220 Birch B23R 54-55 MO773-74 Ford T 6486788/8073 Vincent B14F

Nos. 40-42 ex-Eastern Counties Road Car Company (new 1919 to Great Eastern Railway; Nos. 18-19, 17 respectively); No. 40 had roof replaced with detachable top 8/23; converted to forward control and re-bodied by Brush to O28/26RO by 5/25; No. 41 re-bodied with second-hand LGOC O18/16RO body before entry into service; No. 42 fitted with LGOC O18/16RO body from No.

Page 22 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1922 (continued)

37 5/23; fitted with LGOC O18/16RO body from No. 58 2/24 after accident; converted to forward control and re-bodied by Brush to O28/26RO by 5/25. Nos. 37-39, 43-53 ex-War Department lorry chassis (new 1917, 1917, 1917, 1917, 1917, 1918, 1917, 1917, 1915, 1916, 1917, 1917, 1917, 1915 respectively). No. 37 fitted with second-hand LGOC O18/16RO body; replaced with another LGOC O18/16RO body in 5/23, again in 5/24 (from No. 34) and again in 6/25. No. 38 fitted with second-hand LGOC O18/16RO body; replaced with another LGOC O18/16RO body in 3/23 and again in 4/25. No. 39 fitted with second-hand LGOC O18/16RO body; replaced with another LGOC O18/16RO body in 5/23. No. 43 fitted with second-hand LGOC O18/16RO body; replaced with another LGOC O18/16RO body in 7/23; converted to forward control and re-bodied by Brush to O28/26RO by 4/25. No. 44 fitted with second-hand LGOC O18/16RO body; replaced with another LGOC O18/16RO body 3/23 and again in 5/25.

Page 23 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1922 (continued)

No. 45 fitted with second-hand LGOC O18/16RO body; replaced by another LGOC O18/16RO body in 5/23 and again in 4/25. No. 46 fitted with second-hand LGOC O18/16RO body; converted to forward control and re-bodied by Brush to O28/26RO by 5/25. No. 47 fitted with second-hand LGOC O18/16RO body; replaced with another LGOC O18/16RO body in 6/23 and again in 5/24 (from No. 44) and again in 6/25. No. 48 fitted with second-hand LGOC O18/16RO body; replaced by another LGOC O18/16RO body in 7/23; converted to forward control and re-bodied by Brush to O28/26RO by 6/25. No. 49 fitted with second-hand LGOC O18/16RO body; fitted with lorry body 11/22; replaced with LGOC O18/16RO body from No. 39 5/23; converted to forward control and re-bodied by Brush to O28/26RO by 5/24; fitted with Dodson O26/24RO body from No. 131 11/27. No. 50 fitted with second-hand LGOC O18/16RO body; replaced by another LGOC O18/16RO body in 7/23; converted to forward control and re-bodied by Brush to O28/26RO by 6/25. No. 51 fitted with second-hand LGOC O18/16RO body; replaced by another LGOC O18/16RO body 8/23.

Page 24 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1922 (continued)

No. 52 fitted with second-hand LGOC O18/16RO body; replaced by another LGOC O18/16RO body 8/23; converted to forward control and re-bodied by Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies to B32F 12/24. No. 53 fitted with Birch B23R body from No.19 (DP2127). Nos. 54-55 were 'chaser' vehicles (nicknamed Scarlet Runners) to compete with other operators. They were liveried in all red and did not carry a fleet name. Withdrawn 1923 (55), 1924 (51, 54), 1926 (37-39, 41, 44-45, 47), 1928 (43, 46, 49-50, 53), 1929 (40, 42, 48), 1930 (52).

Page 25 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

Seen here when new as Great Eastern Railway’s No. 17 (DX2173) is 1919 Thornycroft J with Hora 28-seat bodywork. It became Thames Valley No. 42 in 1922 and by 1923 had been fitted with a double-deck body. (LTHL collection). Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1923

56 DP4400 Ford T ? Russell & Paddick B14F 57-58 MO1503-04 Thornycroft J 4847/6591 LGOC O18/16RO 59 MO1625 Thornycroft J 2307 LGOC O18/16RO 60 MO1627 Thornycroft J 2321 LGOC O18/16RO 61 MO1626 Thornycroft J 4631 LGOC O18/16RO 62-64 MO1715-17 Thornycroft J 2277/2494/4443 LGOC O18/16RO 65 MO1803 Thornycroft J 5055 LGOC O18/16RO

No. 56 ex-Simmonds, Reading (new 1922). Nos. 57-65 ex-War Department lorry chassis (new 1916, 1918, 1915, 1914, 1916, 1915, 1915, 1916, 1916 respectively). No. 57 fitted with LGOC O18/16RO body from No. 45 (MO51); fitted with LGOC O18/16RO body from No. 52 (MO307) 10/23; fitted with LGOC O18/16RO body from No. 63 (MO1716) 5/24; converted to forward control and re-bodied by Brush to O28/26RO 7/24. No. 58 fitted with second-hand LGOC O18/16RO body; fitted with LGOC O18/16RO body from No. 47 (MO62) 6/23; fitted with LGOC O18/16RO body from No. 51 (MO151) 9/23; converted to forward control and re-bodied by Dodson to O26/24RO 2/24.

Page 27 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1923 (continued)

No. 59 fitted with LGOC O18/16RO body from No. 43 (MO129); fitted with LGOC O18/16RO body from No. 47 (MO62) 6/24; converted to forward control and re-bodied by Brush to O28/26RO by 5/25. No. 60 fitted with LGOC O18/16RO body from No. 46 (MO128); converted to forward control and re-bodied by Brush to O28/26RO by 5/24; fitted with Dodson O26/24RO body from No. 139 (MF6914) 2/28. No. 61 fitted with LGOC O18/16RO body from No. 58 (MO1504); converted to forward control and re-bodied by Brush to O28/26RO by 5/24. No. 62 fitted with LGOC O18/16RO body from No. 48 (MO159); converted to forward control and re-bodied by Brush to O28/26RO 8/24. No. 63 fitted with second-hand LGOC O18/16RO body; converted to forward control and re-bodied by Brush to O28/26RO 6/24; fitted with Dodson O26/24RO body from No. 124 (XP5450) 2/28. No. 64 fitted with LGOC O18/16RO body from No. 50 (MO150); converted to forward control and re-bodied by Bruszh to O28/26RO 6/24. No. 65 fitted with second-hand LGOC O18/16RO body. Withdrawn 1923 (56), 1925 (65), 1928 (57-63), 1929 (64).

Page 28 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1924

66 MO2610 Thornycroft J 4283 Birch B32R 67-69 MO2611-13 Thornycroft J 4677/4654/2832 Brush O28/26RO 70-72 MO2614-16 Thornycroft J 4955/3055/2681 Birch B32R 73 MO2617 Thornycroft J 1918 Brush O28/26RO 74 MO2618 Thornycroft J 2455 Birch B32R 75-77 MO2619-21 Thornycroft J 2425/3640/3519 Brush O28/26RO 78 MO2622 Thornycroft J 2893 Birch B32R 79-80 MO3565-66 Thornycroft J 4081/4438 Brush O28/26RO 81-82 MO4154-55 Thornycroft J 4042/4047 R S & J B32R 84 MO4157 Thornycroft J 4489 R S & J B32R 86 CD6353 Thornycroft J 6065 Harrington Ch32 87 CD5379 Thornycroft J 2697 Grimaldi Ch27

RS&J - Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies. Nos. 66-82, 84 ex-War Department lorry chassis (new 1917, 1917, 1917, 1915, 1917, 1915, 1915, 1914, 1915, 1917, 1916, 1916, 1915, 1916, 1917, 1916, 1916, 1917 respectively); all converted to forward control before being re-bodied as shown.

Page 29 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1924 (continued)

No. 66 re-registered MOP4610 9/24 (when it was discovered that MO2610 had already been issued to a car). No. 67 fitted with Dodson O26/24RO body from No. 117 (XP9081) 10/27. No. 68 fitted with Dodson O26/24RO body from No. 129 (XR4559) 10/27. No. 69 fitted with Dodson O26/24RO body from No. 122 (XP4705) 3/28. No. 73 fitted with Dodson O26/24RO body from No. 123 (XP5449) 3/28. Nos. 86-87 ex- (Nos. 30, 31 respectively; new 1918, 1915 as War Department lorries); charabanc bodies removed, converted to forward control and re-bodied by Brush to O28/26RO by 3/26. Withdrawn 1928 (67-69, 73), 1929 (75-77, 79-80), 1930 (66, 70-72, 74, 78, 81-82, 84), 1931 (86-87).

Page 30 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1925

83 MO4156 Thornycroft J 4134 R S & J B32R 85 MO4158 Thornycroft J 5086 R S & J B32R 88-89 MO4306-07 Thornycroft J 4628/4718 Brush O28/26RO 90-91 MO4308-09 Thornycroft J 4461/4826 Brush O28/26RO 92-93 MO4310-11 Thornycroft J 4079/4873 Brush O28/26RO 94 MO3530 Lancia Z Z3394 Vincent/Manners B20F 95 MO2213 Lancia Tetraiota 224E Bartle B20F 96 MO4648 Lancia Pentaiota 702 Strachan & Brown B25F 97 MO5443 Lancia Pentaiota 846 Strachan & Brown B25F - MO6184 Dennis 2½-ton 45158 Strachan & Brown B30R

RS&J - Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies. Nos. 83, 85, 88-93 ex-War Department lorry chassis (new 1916, 1916, 1917, 1917, 1917, 1917, 1916, 1917 respectively); all converted to forward control before being re-bodied as shown. No. 88 fitted with Dodson O26/24RO body from No. 118 (XP4051) 11/27. Nos. 94-97, MO6184 ex-Progressive Bus Service, Bracknell (new 1924, 1923, 1925, 1925, 1925 respectively); MO6184 not operated by Thames Valley; No. 94 had a body started by Vincent of Reading but completed by Manners of Bracknell. Withdrawn 1926 (94-97), 1928 (88), 1929 (89-93), 1930 (83, 85).

Page 31 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1926

98 MO6842 Thornycroft J 2342 Brush O28/26RO 99-102 MO6843-46 Tilling-Stevens B9A 4837-40 Tilling B32R 103 MO6847 Tilling-Stevens B9A 4841 Birch B32R 104-105 MO6848-49 Tilling-Stevens B9A 4842-43 Brush B32R 106-110 MO6850-54 Tilling-Stevens B9A 4844-48 Tilling B32R 111-114 MO6855-58 Tilling-Stevens B9B 4849-52 London Lorries C29F 115 XP4706 Thornycroft JB 10436 Dodson O26/24RO 116 XP9831 Thornycroft JB 10463 Dodson O26/24RO 117 XP9081 Thornycroft JB 10443 Dodson O26/24RO 118 XP4051 Thornycroft JB 10432 Dodson O26/24RO 119 XU2191 Thornycroft JB 10552 Dodson O26/24RO 120 XP6421 Thornycroft JB 10447 Dodson O26/24RO 121 XP9080 Thornycroft JB 10446 Dodson O26/24RO 122 XP4705 Thornycroft JB 10437 Dodson O26/24RO 123-124 XP5449-50 Thornycroft JB 10438/39 Dodson O26/24RO 125-126 XP5984-85 Thornycroft JB 10435/40 Dodson O26/24RO 127 XP6422 Thornycroft JB 10444 Dodson O26/24RO 128 XP9325 Thornycroft JB 10434 Dodson O26/24RO 129 XR4559 Thornycroft JB 10517 Dodson O26/24RO

Page 32 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1926 (continued)

130 AN6452 Thornycroft JB 10555 Dodson O26/24RO 131 XR9847 Thornycroft JB 10531 Dodson O26/24RO 132-136 MO7942-46 Tilling-Stevens B9A 4915-19 Brush B32R 137 XR4694 Thornycroft JB 10508 Dodson O26/24RO 138 XR999 Thornycroft JB 10485 Dodson O26/24RO 139 MF6914 Thornycroft JB 10526 Dodson O26/24RO - DP4919 Fiat 15TER ? ? B20F - DP5628 Dennis 2½-ton ? ? B20F

Nos. 115-128 ex-London General Omnibus Company (Nos. T103, T113, T111, T101, T114, T108, T110, T102, T104, T105, T106, T107, T109, T112 respectively; new 1923 or 1924 [T110, T111, T112, T113, T114] to Cambrian Coaching & Goods Transport Omnibus Company, London [T113 new to Shamrock Traction Company, London passing to Cambrian 4/25]). Nos. 129-130 ex-London General Omnibus Company (not operated; new 1924 to Ubique Omnibus Co [AN6452]; 1924 to Diamond Omnibus Company [XR4559]). No. 129 fitted with Brush O28/26RO body from No. 68 (MO2612) 3/28; fitted with the Ransomes B32R body from No. 82 (MO4155) 2/30.

Page 33 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1926 (continued)

No. 130 fitted with Brush O28/26RO body from No. 34 (DP2606) 1/28; fitted with Ransomes B32R body from No. 83 (MO4156) 2/30. No. 131 ex-Fleur-de-Lys, London (new 1924); fitted with Brush O28/26RO body from No. 49 (MO160) 11/27; fitted with Ransomes B32R body from No. 84 (MO4157) 2/30. No. 137 ex-Grangewood Omnibus Company, London (new 1924 to Myers, London). No. 138 ex-Casagrande, London (new 1924). No. 139 ex-London General Omnibus Company (not operated; new 1924 to Legion Omnibus Company, London; fitted with Brush O28/26RO body from No. 60 (MO1627) 2/28; fitted with Ransomes B32R body from No. 85 (MO4158) 2/30. DP4919, DP5628 ex-Lovegrove Bros., Silchester (new 1923, 1924 respective- ly; not operated by Thames Valley). Withdrawn 1931 (98, 115-131, 137-139), 1932 (113), 1933 (108, 111-112, 114), 1937 (99, 106-107, 110, 132-133, 136), 1938 (100-105, 109, 134-135).

Page 34 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

No. 102 (MO6846) was a 1926 Tilling-Stevens B9A with Tilling B32R bodywork.(The Bus Archive). Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

No. 120 (XP6421), a 1923 Thornycroft JB, acquired from the London General Omnibus Company in 1926, originally with a Dodson body it is seen here with a Brush O28/26RO body. It had been withdrawn by 1931. (The Bus Archive). Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1927

140-143 MO9312-15 Tilling-Stevens B9B 5268-71 London Lorries C30F 144-157 MO9316-29 Tilling-Stevens B9A 5272-85 Brush B35R

Nos. 145-154 re-seated to B32R in 1931. Withdrawn 1932 (140-43), 1937 (146), 1940 (145, 147-48, 151, 154-55, 157), 1944 (144, 149-50, 152-53, 156).

1928

158 RX1397 Tilling-Stevens B9A 5374 Brush B35R 159-60 RX1394-95 Tilling-Stevens B9A 5375-76 Brush C28F 161 RX1396 Tilling-Stevens B9A 5377 Brush B35R 162-63 RX1398-99 Tilling-Stevens B9B 5335/33 London Lorries C30F 164-72 RX1753-61 Leyland TD1 70126-34 Leyland L24/24RO 173-74 RX1762-63 Leyland TD1 70135/94 Short L24/24RO 175 RX1764 Leyland TD1 70195 Short L24/24RO

Nos. 158, 161 re-seated to B32R c. 1930. No. 171 rebuilt by Thames Valley to L24/24R 1944/45. Withdrawn 1932 (162-63), 1940 (158, 161), 1944 (159-60), 1949 (164-170, 172-175), 1950 (171)

Page 37 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

No. 152 (MO9324) is a 1927 Tilling-Stevens B9A with replica ‘Brush’ 35-seat bodywork. (Colin Pickett). Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1929

176-77 RX4338-39 Tilling-Stevens B10B2 5959/60 London Lorries C28D 178 RX4340 Tilling-Stevens B10B2 5965 London Lorries C28D 179-91 RX4341-53 Leyland TD1 70669-81 Leyland L27/24RO 192 HE2323 Leyland Z7 25131 Ransomes B20F 193-95 HE2325-27 Leyland Z7 25133-35 Ransomes B20F 196 HE2331 Leyland Z7 25139 Ransomes B20F 197 HE2336 Leyland Z7 25144 Ransomes B20F 198 HE2339 Leyland Z7 25147 Ransomes B20F 199-200 RX5561-62 Leyland TD1 70954-55 Leyland L27/24RO

Nos. 179-180, 182-183, 185-187, 190 refurbished and rebuilt to L27/24R by ECW 1944-45. No. 181 refurbished and rebuilt to L27/24R by Willowbrook 1944. Nos. 184, 199-200 refurbished and rebuilt to L27/24R by Beadle 1944. Nos. 192-198 ex- Company (Nos. 112, 114-116, 120, 125, 128 respectively; new 1925 to Barnsley & District Traction Company). Withdrawn 1931 (192-198), 1933 (188-189), 1935 (176-178), 1939 (191), 1950 (179, 181, 200), 1951 (199), 1952 (180, 182-187, 190).

Page 39 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1930

201-208 RX5563-70 Leyland TD1 70956-63 Leyland L27/24RO 209-218 RX5571-80 Leyland LT1 50770-79 Brush B32R 219-221 RX6110-12 Leyland TD1 71323-24/72 Leyland L27/24RO 222-224 RX6242-44 Leyland TD1 71435-37 Leyland L27/24RO 225-229 RX6245-49 Leyland LT2 51208-12 Brush DP32R 230 RX6250 Leyland TS3 61065 Brush C28D

Nos. 209-218, 225-229 re-seated to DP29R and fitted with entrance doors by the end of 1930. Nos. 201-204, 206, 208, 219, 221-223 refurbished and rebuilt to L27/24R by Willowbrook between 1943 and 1944. Nos. 205, 207 refurbished and rebuilt to L27/24R by ECW 1944. Nos. 209, 215-217, 226, 229 refurbished by Beadle 1944. No. 220 refurbished and rebuilt to L27/24R by Beadle 1944. Nos. 210-214, 218, 225, 227, 228 refurbished by Santus between 1944 and 1945. No. 224 refurbished and rebuilt to L27/24R by Vincent 1944. No. 230 fitted with LT2 radiator from new; to War Department 7/40. Withdrawn 1940 (230), 1949 (220, 224), 1950 (207, 209-218, 226-227, 229), 1951 (201-204, 206, 208, 219, 221-223, 225, 228), 1952 (205).

Page 40 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1931

231-237 RX8164-70 Leyland TD1 71938-44 Leyland L27/24RO 238 RX188 Thornycroft A2 Long 14060A Challands Ross B20F 239 GU7544 Dennis 1½-ton 54233 ? B14F 239 RX9307 Leyland TS4 100 Brush C28F 242 YK3822 Thornycroft A1 11488 Vickers B19F 243 RX3131 Dennis 1½-ton 53685 Willmott B14F 1102 YW5366 Morris Z2 5622 London Lorries B12F 1202 YR1089 Maudslay ML3 3939 Buckingham B32R 1225 YH3797 Maudslay ML3A 4101 Buckingham C32D 1228 YH3800 Maudslay ML3A 4102 Buckingham C32D 1229 YW1721 Maudslay ML3B 4177 Buckingham C26D 1238 UC4865 Maudslay ML3 4242 Buckingham B32R 1285 YF3921 Guy FBB FBB22309 Buckingham C32D 1655 UV9121 Guy OND OND9158 Guy B18F 1657 UV9413 Guy OND OND9145 Guy B18F 1659 UV9414 Guy OND OND9162 Guy B18F 1664 UU5011 Morris Z2 1816Z Buckingham B14F

Page 41 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1931 (continued)

Nos. 232-235, 237 refurbished and rebuilt to L27/24R by Willowbrook between 1942 and 1944. No. 236 refurbished and rebuilt to L27/24R by Beadle 1944. No. 238 ex-Rambler Coaches, Burghfield Common (new 1927). No. 239 (GU7544) ex-Premier Motor Omnibus Company, Cookham Green (new 1929); No. 239 (GU7544) withdrawn 10/31 and replaced by No. 239 (RX9307) new 12/31. No. 242 ex-Great Western Railway (No. 928; new 1925); operated with GWR number until 10/31 when re-numbered as shown. No. 243 ex-Lower Road Bus Service, Cookham Rise (new 1928). Nos. 1102, 1202, 1225, 1228, 1229, 1238, 1285, 1655, 1657, 1659, 1664 ex-Great Western Railway (retaining GWR numbers; new 1928, 1926, 1927, 1927, 1928, 1928, 1927, 1929, 1929, 1929, 1929 respectively). Withdrawn 1931 (239[GU7544], 1102, 1225, 1228, 1229, 1238, 1285, 1655, 1657, 1659, 1664), 1932 (242, 1202), 1934 (243), 1938 (238), 1940 (231, 239[RX9307]), 1949 (233), 1950 (236), 1951 (232, 234, 237), 1952 (235).

Page 42 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

No. 239 (GU7544) was a 1929 Dennis 1½-ton chassis with bodywork by an unknown builder, acquired in June 1931 from the Premier Omnibus Company. It had been withdrawn by October 1931 and replaced by a new No. 239. (The Bus Archive). Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1932

240-241 RX9308-09 Leyland TS4 185-86 Brush C28F 244 RX9541 Leyland TS4 383 Brush C28F 245-249 RX6399-403 Leyland TS4 585-89 Brush B32R 250-256 RX9704-10 Leyland TS4 590-96 Brush C28F 257 UV4080 Thornycroft BC 18816 Vickers B26R - YF6815 Guy FBB FBB22303 Vickers B32R - YX5680 Thornycroft A1 15764 ? B18F

Nos. 257, YF6815, YX5680 ex-Great Western Railway (Nos. 1606, 1269, 1468 respectively; new 1929, 1927, 1928 respectively); No. 257 operated with GWR fleet number 1606 until 6/32 when re-numbered as shown; YF6815, YX5680 not operated by Thames Valley. Withdrawn 1938 (257), 1940 (240-241, 244, 251-256), 1950 (246), 1951 (245, 247, 250), 1952 (248), 1953 (249).

Page 44 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

No. 244 (RX9541) was a 1932 Leyland TS4 with Brush C28F coachwork. It was requisitioned by the War Department in 1940, returned in 1946, refurbished and rebuilt to B31R as a service bus. (The Bus Archive). Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1933

1 PP4388 Karrier WJ ? ? Ch18 2 PP5930 Morris T 9258T Morris B14F 3 YW1721 Maudslay ML3B 4177 Buckingham C26D 4 MO9316 Tilling-Stevens B9A 5272 Brush B35R 5 MO9327 Tilling-Stevens B9A 5283 Brush B35R 6 KX3900 Karrier CL4 35069 Ramsden B24F 7 KX3869 Karrier CL4 35072 Ramsden B24F 8 KX3870 Karrier CL4 35070 Ramsden B24F 9 KX3638 Karrier CL4 35073 Ramsden B24F 10 KX3901 Karrier CL4 35077 Ramsden B24F 11 KX3898 Karrier CL4 35076 Ramsden B24F 12 KX3899 Karrier CL4 35075 Ramsden B24F 14 KX8482 Karrier Coaster 35190 Weymann B24F 15 KX8481 Karrier Coaster 35189 Weymann B24F 258 GN5145 Leyland TS3 61810 Leyland C26R 261 GW540 Dennis 1½-ton 55654 Willmott B14F - EF3469 Chevrolet LM 16050 Strachan & Brown B14? - KX1523 Guy OND OND8924 ? B20F - PP4107 Karrier CY 20847 ? B20F

Page 46 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1933 (continued)

- PP6302 Karrier CL4 ? ? B26F - PP8371 Karrier CL4 35011 ? B20F - RF1625 Karrier CL4 ? - - - RF1708 Karrier CL4 ? Lawton B28F - RM3889 Chevrolet 15372 ? B14? - RT4952 Chevrolet LP 46367 ? B14F - RX1162 Chevrolet LM 17081 ? B14F - RX8373-75 Dodge 8341677/07/784 Willmott B14F - TM1258 Chevrolet ? ? B14F - TW8979 Chevrolet LM 15202 ? B14? - VF3004 Chevrolet LO - - -

Nos. 1-12, 14-15, PP4107, PP6302, PP8371, RF1625, RF1708 ex-Marlow & District Motor Services (Nos. 1-12, 14-15; new 1925, 1926, 1928 [to Great Western Railway; No. 1229], 1927, 1927, 1929, 1929, 1929, 1929, 1929, 1929, 1929, 1929, 1932, 1932, 1925, 1926, 1927, 1926 [to Stafford Transport Company], 1926 [to Stafford Transport Company] respectively); Nos. 4, 5 were licensed to Marlow & District by Thames Valley from 4/32

Page 47 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1933 (continued) and were Thames Valley Nos. 144, 155 and reverted to those numbers on acquisition; PP4107, PP6302, PP8371, RF1625 [chassis only], RF1708 acquired as withdrawn vehicles and not operated by Thames Valley. No. 258 ex-Eastern National Omnibus Company (not operated by ENOC; new 1931 to Premier Line, London); re-seated to B31R 3/42. No. 261, RX8373-75 ex-Reliance Motor Services, Maidenhead (all new 1931); RX8373-75 not operated by Thames Valley. KX1523 ex-Lane End Bus Service, Lane End (new 1928); not operated by Thames Valley. EF3469, RM3889, RT4952, RX1162, TM1258, TW8979, VF3004 ex-Pixey Bus, Fifield (new 1927 [to Eastern Express, West Hartlepool; No. 25], 1927 [to Woods, Heads Nook], 1928 [to Kerridge, Needham Market], 1927, 1927 [to Cooper, Elstow], 1927 [to Gray, London], 1928 [to United Automobile Services; No. H19] respectively); VF3004 was acquired as a chassis only; none were operated by Thames Valley apart from RX1162 which ran in service for a few days only. Withdrawn 1933 (RX1162), 1934 (1-3), 1935 (6-12), 1936 (261), 1937 (15), 1938 (14), 1949 (258).

Page 48 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

No. 15 (KX8481) was absorbed with the fleet of Marlow & District in 1933 and was a 1932 Karrier Coaster with Weymann 24-seat bodywork. (The Bus Archive). Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1934

259 GN5139 Leyland TS3 61804 Leyland C26R 260 GN5150 Leyland TS3 61671 Leyland C26R

Nos. 259-260 ex-London Transport Board (new 1931 to Premier Line, London); re-seated to B31R 8/41. Withdrawn 1940 (260), 1949 (259).

Page 50 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1935

262-264 JB5841-43 Leyland TS7 7126-28 Duple C32F 265-271 JB5844-50 Leyland TS7 7135-41 Brush B32R 272-277 JB5851-56 Leyland TD4 7129-34 Brush L24/24R 278 PP4875 Dennis 2½-ton 31245 Wycombe B26F 279 PP5166 Dennis 2½-ton 31296 Wycombe B26F 280 PP9657 Leyland LSC1 46414 Strachan & Brown B32F 281 KX498 Dennis 2½-ton 45542 Strachan & Brown B25F 282 KX1734 Dennis 2½-ton 45558 Strachans B26F 284 KX3484 Gilford 166OT 11070 Wycombe B32F 285 KX5733 Gilford 168OT 11312 Wycombe B32F 286 KX7382 Gilford 168OT 11967 Wycombe B32F 287 KX8092 Dennis Lancet 170008 Wycombe B32F 288 KX8744 Dennis Lancet 170116 Dennis B32R 289 APP271 Dennis Lancet 170657 Dennis C32F 290 APP272 Dennis Lancet 170652 Dennis B32F 291 APP273 Dennis Ace 200003 Dennis B20F 292 BKX431 Dennis Lancet 170827 Dennis C32C 293 BKX898 Dennis Lancet 170904 Dennis C32C 294-299 JB7494-99 Leyland TS7 8543-48 Brush B32R - KX1541 Dennis E 17614 Strachans B32R - KX7843 Gilford 168OT 12008 Wycombe B32F

Page 51 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1935 (continued)

- PP2245 Dennis 2½-ton 30773 Wycombe B26F - UV7778 Gilford 166OT 11015 Wycombe B32F - ABH350 Dennis Lancet 170390 Dennis B32F - BBH755 Dennis Mace 240028 Dennis B26C - BKX696 Dennis Lancet 170905 Dennis C32C

No. 272 re-bodied by ECW to L24/24R in 1940 following fire at Reading depot. Nos. 274-275 rebuilt by Willowbrook to L24/24R 1944-45. No. 276 rebuilt by Beadle to L24/24R 1944-45. No. 277 rebuilt by ECW to L24/24R 1945. Nos. 278-293 ex-Penn Bus Company, Tylers Green (Nos. 7, 8, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31 33, 35 respectively; new 1925, 1925, 1928, 1928, 1928, 1929, 1929, 1930, 1931, 1932, 1932, 1934, 1934, 1934, 1935, 1935 respectively). KX1541, KX7843, PP2245, UV7778, ABH350, BBH755, BKX696 ex-Penn Bus Company, Tylers Green; did not operate for Thames Valley but were immediately transferred to London Passenger Transport Board as part of the purchase agreement. Withdrawn 1935 (278-293), 1940 (262-264), 1950 (272, 297), 1951 (265, 267-270, 294, 296, 298-299), 1952 (266, 271, 276, 295), 1953 (273-275, 277).

Page 52 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

No. 275 (JB5854) was a 1935 Leyland TD4 with Brush L24/24R bodywork. It was rebuilt by Willowbrook in 1945, which enabled it to survive until 1953. (The Bus Archive). Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1936

300 RD6270 Thornycroft Ardent FE 24776 ? B26F 301 RD3016 Star Flyer D986 ? B26F 302-308 JB8341-8347 Leyland TS7 9394-400 Brush DP32R 309-311 JB8348-8350 Leyland TS7 9401-403 Brush B32R 312 VG1631 Star Flyer VB4 VB949/C630 United C23F 313 RO9027 Star Flyer VB3 B686 United B20F 314 KX7157 AEC Regal 662644 Petty C32F 315 GT9324 Bedford WLB 108037 Willmott B20F 316 GT9199 Bedford WLB 108017 Willmott B20F 317 KX6094 AEC Regal 662599 Petty B30R 318 MY639 AEC Reliance 660311 Short B32F 319 MT1330 AEC Reliance 660002 Hall Lewis B31D 320 UR3767 AEC Reliance 660239 Craven C31R 321 KX2558 Graham Bros. D204010 ? B26F 322 KX978 Graham Bros. GB4689 ? B20F

Nos. 300-301 ex-Reading & District Motor Services (new 1934, 1931 respectively). Nos. 312-313 ex-Vimmy Bus Service, Winkfield (new 1929 [to Eastern Motorways, Norwich], 1928 [to Express Motor Service, St. Albans; No. 3] respectively).

Page 54 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1936 (continued)

Nos. 314-322 ex-Chiltern Bus Co., Lane End (new 1931, 1931, 1931, 1930, 1929 [as AEC demonstrator], 1928 [as AEC demonstrator], 1929 [to LMS Railway, Watford; No. 51F], 1929, 1928 respectively); Nos. 321, 322 probably not operated by Thames Valley. Withdrawn unknown (312), 1936 (313, 315-316, 321-322), 1938 (300, 314, 317-320), by 1940 (301), 1950 (307-308, 310), 1951 (302, 311), 1952 (303-306, 309).

Page 55 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1937

321-334 ABL751-764 Leyland TS7 12599-12 ECW B32R 335-336 ABL765-766 Leyland TD4 12613-14 Brush L26/26R 337-338 ABL767-768 Leyland KPZ2 6821-22 Brush B24F 339-341 AJB811-813 Leyland TD5 14198-200 Brush L26/26R 342-348 AJB814-820 Leyland TS8 14374-80 Brush B32R 349 BMG703 Albion PK115 25001H Duple B26F 350 BPP141 Albion PW69 16404A Duple DP32F 351 CPP80 Albion PK115 25009E Duple C31F 352 VX6549 Reo Pullman GE193 ? B20F 353 UU5749 Reo Sprinter FAX10410 Wray C20F 354 GC9901 Reo FB1144 Wray B20F 355 KX6376 AJS Pilot 210 Petty C24F 356 KX7575 AJS Commodore 5048 Petty B32F 357 KX8533 Bedford WLB 108479 Duple B20F 358 YT5420 Reo Sprinter 145268 Wray C20D

No. 333 refurbished by Harding, Cookham 1944; re-seated to B35R at a later date (post 1945). No. 339 rebuilt by Willowbrook 1945. No. 340 rebuilt by ECW 1945. No. 341 rebuilt by Willowbrook 1945.

Page 56 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1937 (continued)

Nos. 342-344 re-seated to B35R at a later date (post 1945). No. 345 refurbished by Brislington Body Works and re-seated to B35R 1945/50. No. 346 refurbished by Harding, Cookham 1944; re-seated to B35R at a later date (post 1945). No. 347 re-seated to B35R at a later date (post 1945). No. 348 refurbished by ECW 1945/46; re-seated to B35R at a later date (post 1945). Nos. 349-358 ex-Crook, Booker (new 1934, 1935, 1936, 1930 [to Bird Motor Services, Halstead; No. 7], 1929, 1930, 1931, 1931, 1932, 1927 respectively); No. 358 not operated by Thames Valley. Withdrawn 1937 (354, 358), 1938 (352-353, 355-357), 1944 (349-351), 1950 (330), 1951 (327, 333, 342-344, 346-347), 1952 (321, 324, 326, 329, 331, 337-338), 1953 (322-323, 325, 328, 332, 334-336, 339-341, 345, 348).

Page 57 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

No. 337 (ABL767) was one of two Leyland KPZ2 chassis purchased in 1937 specifically for the Marlow Bridge route which had a 5-ton weight limit. It carried a Brush B24F body. (The Bus Archive). Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1938

359-368 ARX981-990 Leyland TS8 16986-95 ECW B32R 369-370 ARX991-992 Leyland TD5 17183-84 ECW L24/24R 371-380 BBL557-566 Leyland TS8 300218-27 ECW B32R

Nos. 362-368 re-seated to B35R at a later date (post 1945). Nos. 371, 372 refurbished by Brislington Body Works 1950 and re-seated to B35R. No. 375 received the Brush B32R body from No. 267 (JB5846) 1951 on withdrawal. No. 267 was fitted with the ECW B32R body from No. 375 for disposal. Nos. 379-380 re-seated to B35R at a later date (post 1945). Withdrawn 1950 (359-360, 364-365, 367, 376), 1951 (368, 372, 377, 379), 1952 (362), 1953 (361, 369-370, 373, 375, 378), 1954 (363, 366, 371, 374, 380).

Page 59 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1939

381-390 BMO980-989 Leyland TS8 301936-45 Harrington C32F 391 BRX656 Bristol K5G 51.094 ECW L24/24R 392-409 BRX908-925 Bristol K5G 53.003-020 ECW L24/24R

Nos. 393,394 rebuilt to L24/24R by ECW following fire damage 1940; No. 393 rebuilt by Thames Valley to L27/24R at a later (unknown) date. Nos. 397, 400, 401, 402, 404, 405, 409 rebuilt to L27/24R by Thames Valley at a later (unknown) date. Withdrawn 1953 (395-396, 398, 403, 408), 1954 (381-390, 393, 397, 399, 401, 404, 406-407, 409), 1956 (391-392, 394, 400, 402, 405).

Page 60 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

No. 393 (BRX909) was a 1939 Bristol K5G with ECW L24/24R bodywork. It was badly damaged by fire at Reading depot in 1940 and rebuilt by ECW. It was refurbished by Thames Valley in 1949 and rebuilt again to L27/24R at a later date. (The Bus Archive). Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1940

101-103 AHJ401-403 Bristol K5G 45.20-22 ECW L27/28R 104-105 BHJ532-533 Bristol K5G 53.087-88 ECW L27/28R 106-108 JN9541-543 Bristol K5G 42.25-27 ECW L27/28R 410 CJB131 Bristol K5G 55.101 ECW L24/24R 411 FM7455 Leyland KP3 969 Brush B24F

Nos. 101-108 on hire from Westcliff-on-Sea Motor Services between 11/40 and 2/42. No. 411 ex- (No. N45; new 1932). Withdrawn 1952 (411), 1954 (410).

1941

109-114 JG8205-210 Leyland TD4 11601-06 Park Royal L27/26R 412 HF6041 Leyland TD1 70687 Leyland L27/24RO

Nos.109-114 on hire from East Kent Road Car Company between 2/41 and 8/42. No. 412 ex-Alexander & Sons, Falkirk (No. R174; new 1929); rebuilt to L27/24R by ECW 1944/45. Withdrawn 1952 (412).

Page 62 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

No. 110 (JG8206) was a 1936 Leyland TD4 with Park Royal L27/26R bodywork that was on hire from East Kent Road Car Company during the Second World War. (The Bus Archive). Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1942

413-417 CJB132-136 Bristol K5G 57.017-19/31/76 ECW L27/28R 418-419 CJB137-138 Guy Arab I FD25486/508 Duple L27/28R

Withdrawn 1955 (413-414, 418-419), 1956 (415-417).

Page 64 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1943

230 RX6250 Leyland TS3 61065 Brush DP29R 252-253 RX9706-707 Leyland TS4 592-93 Brush C28F 255-256 RX9709-710 Leyland TS4 595-96 Brush C28F 262 JB5841 Leyland TS7 7126 Duple C32F 420-421 CJB139-140 Guy Arab I FD25546/97 Strachans L27/28R 422 CJB141 Guy Arab I FD25825 Brush L27/28R 423-425 CMO653-655 Guy Arab I FD25828/55/935 Brush L27/28R

Nos. 230, 252-253, 255-256, 262 ex-War Department (new to Thames Valley and acquired 7/40) re-acquired in a decrepit state and rebuilt and refurbished by Cawood & Sons, Doncaster (except No. 255 rebuilt and refurbished by Markham, Reading); Nos. 230, 252-253, 255-256 rebuilt as service to B29R; No. 262 rebuilt as coach to C32F. No. 420 rebuilt and re-seated to L27/26R by Strachans following an accident at an unknown date. No. 421 rebuilt by Santus to L27/28R 1944 following an accident. Withdrawn 1950 (230, 262, 255), 1951 (252, 256, 420), 1952 (253), 1955 (424), 1956 (421-423, 425).

Page 65 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

No. 421 (CJB140) was a 1943 Guy Arab I that had Strachans L27/28R bodywork. It was rebuilt by Santus in 1944 after an accident and carried on to give 13 years service, being withdrawn in 1956. (The Bus Archive). Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

1945

426-428 CRX196-198 Bristol K6A W1.034/70/120 Strachans L27/28R 429 CRX540 Bristol K6A W1.150 Strachans L27/28R 430-434 CRX541-545 Bristol K6A W2.001/05-06/58-59 Strachans L27/28R 435 DR9636 Leyland TD2 283 Mumford L24/24R 436 DR9846 Leyland TD2 1265 Mumford L24/24R 437-438 CRX546-547 Bedford OB 11097/2005 Duple B26F

Nos. 426-428 re-seated to L27/24R in 1946. Nos. 435, 436 ex-Plymouth City Transport (Nos. 137, 57 respectively; new 1932); rebuilt and refurbished by Vincent, Reading 1945/46. Withdrawn 1952 (436), 1953 (435), 1956 (437), 1957 (426-434, 438).

Page 67 Thames Valley Traction Co Ltd 1915-1971 [Part 1: 1915-1945]

No. 432 (CRX543) was a Bristol K6A with Strachans L27/28R bodywork new in 1945. (The Bus Archive). © Local Transport History Library 2020

Additional information, corrections and photographs are always welcome. Our general email address is: [email protected]

In producing this booklet reference has been made to the following publications; Thames Valley - Systems 3, Peter Holmes, Transport Publishing Co, 1984; PSV Fleet History PK19, PSV Circle, August 2016.

Photographs courtesy: The Bus Archive, Colin Pickett.

Series Editor: Peter Gould ([email protected])