Monday, September 8, 2008

A load of blokes in a charabanc



I do not know who these people are or what the occasion is. I presume it is workplace-based, as the passengers are all male. Many of them are conspicuously brandishing short rods. Maybe they have been involved in the manufacture of this device, whatever it may be. They all seem to be wearing overcoats, so it is not exactly the best weather to be riding in an open-topped vehicle. The name on the side of the charabanc looks like "C.G. Lewis".

The picture came from the "Crown Lane" archive, so possibly Albert Mackie is here somewhere. If so, this could be a party from the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich.

Update

I have now made contact with Chris Lewis, nephew of Charles George Lewis and suggested a possible connection with Woolwich Arsenal. Chris has provided some interesting further information.

A little research and the vehicle in your photo is a Karrier KL type. One of the very first forward control vehicles ever built. Reg no. YN7601. New June 1926 and cost £1250.
In 1927 C. G. Lewis’ phone number had a 0 added to the front making it Greenwich 0220. In your photo it still reads 220. Since all his vehicles were re-varnished every year, I think the year could be 1926-27 as photos of this vehicle in 1928 show the new number.

The full company title at this time was C. G. Lewis safety coaches. With the name in a triangle base side down, later wings were added to this as the wings of speed (28 mph legal speed limit). He also did a lot of work for Ministry of Defence: - RN stores Deptford, Royal Naval College Greenwich, Royal Artillery Woolwich, & Royal Arsenal, so possible.

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