Coaches becoming Ambulances during WWII
Our vehicles were utilised to support the war effort wherever they helped most. Using original material from the Corporate Archives collections we bring you an example
Green Line coaches were the vehicles that operated the 'country' arm of London Passenger Transport Board's (LPTB) service, running from London to towns such as Ascot, Dorking, and Reigate.
In accordance with a prior agreement with Government, when war came, practically all Green Line coaches and some other single deck vehicles were converted into ambulances capable of taking 8-10 stretcher cases.
Patients being moved onto a Green Line coach, which has been converted into an ambulance (1939-10)TfL Corporate Archives
They were to be kept constantly manned by the LPTB and ready for instant service under the Ministry of Health for the transport of casualties. Plans for the conversion were completed and sets of equipment manufactured by the LPTB's engineers' before war was declared
On 1 September 1939, all Green Line coach services were withdrawn, the equipment was installed as coaches came off service, and within 5 hours over 400 coaches were ready for duty as ambulances
Green Line Coaches assisting the civilian population following air raids (1944-03)TfL Corporate Archives
Most of the ambulance coaches were immediately transferred to garages in the London area. They were initially used to assist with the evacuation of hospital patients, before being deployed following air raids to attend to the civilian population
War And Conflict-Wwii (1944-06-06)LIFE Photo Collection
Green Line coaches were used to convey wounded soldiers who returned from the invasion of Normandy in June 1944
News article about the use of Green Line coaches to convey the wounded (1944-08)TfL Corporate Archives
Story compiled by TfL using information in records at the Transport for London Corporate Archives. The Corporate Archives seeks to preserve and make accessible records, not to interpret them. A wider range of material is available for physical consultation.
Permission is granted to reproduce for personal and educational use only.
This story has been enhanced using some material from the LIFE Photo Collection. All enquiries regarding this material should be made directly to that institution.
