Catalogue

Interview
956, LO/311/262
Leicester Oral History Archive Collection

Speaker: Anon, 1900 - , Interviewee, Male, Bus driver; Mechanic; Royal Air Force;
Speaker: McGrath, J., Interviewer, Male

Summary of interview item: Recalls memories of the Great Central Railway shunting yards in early 1900s. Mentions parents work, death of a sibling and where he attended school. Recalls announcement of start of First World War and sugar shortage. Describes briefly effects of war on home front and delay of returning to Leicester from holiday in Colwyn Bay when war was declared. Mentions apprenticeship as engineer at Samuel Peck's until volunteering for the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and enlisting in the Royal Air Force (RAF). Describes service in the RAF and joining the army after return to civilian life. Mentions recruitment for the 'Black and Tans'. Recalls working as a mechanic at Seal's and teaching himself to drive. Details getting license and work as a chauffeur and for the Green Bus Company. Mentions hours worked, routes driven and vehicles. Describes 'passenger war' between bus companies vying for customers. Describes buses run by Midland Red, Green Bus company and Gibson's, test for bus driving and rivalry between bus and tram drivers. Mentions working for corporation, being given a uniform and relationship with conductors. Mentions corporation bus drivers were a restricted occupation during Second World War. Recalls returning to engineering after 1945. Mentions marriage and moving to Endeby for accommodation, describes how he got to work by Carriers' cart. Mentions bus stops.
Place of birth: Leicester
Education: Narborough Road school, Leicester
Marital Status: Married, Children:
Father's Occupation: Hosiery counter
Mother's Occupation: Outworker
Location: County: Leicestershire
Location: Town/Place: Leicester
Periods Covered: 1900s,1910s, 1920s, 1930, 1940s, 1950ss
Language: English

Recording Date: 30/9/1986
Playing time: 59 mins
Access Restrictions: Full clearance Item Copyright: EMOHA
Summary: Yes
Transcription: No
Copies: yes
Cross Reference:

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Last updated: 08/05/02 East Midland Oral History Archive Web maintainer This document has been approved by the head of department or section.