20 February 2025 19:30
Roy Larkin - "London Omnibuses on the Western Front"
The Talk: Roy’s talk looks at the pre-war relationship between the omnibus companies and the War Office, the mobilisation of the buses and general work of the buses on the Western Front, and at each of the individual bus companies. He tells the most complete story of London's omnibuses during the Great War based on extensive research using the archives of the War Office, the Army Service Corps and the London General Omnibus Company.
About the Speaker: Roy Larkin's interest in the Great War began with its influence on the British road haulage industry in the 1920s. Volunteering at the Royal Logistic Corps Museum provided opportunity for more in-depth exploration of road transport on the Western Front. Regular delving into The National Archives has diversified the focus to anything in the back area and the home front, the quirkier the better. Self-published Destination Western Front and then the Second edition after a chance find at the National Archives provided considerably more information. Also, We Can Do It!, a social/industrial history of heavy haulage and heavy factory installations based on interviews with Fred, who worked for Edward Box Ltd and Ernest Holmes from the 1930s.
Tickets: Entry is free, but we rely totally on donations to cover our costs! - Hall, speaker, drink etc. We suggest £5 per person - or whatever you can afford.
Booking: You do not need to book, but it would help us if you did (i.e. hall preparation and refreshments etc.).
Book your FREE tickets here - Coming soon!
Location map here