Midland “Red”
BMMO and MROC
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PhotographComments2Favourites VehicleTimetables
VehicleSOS “SON”
B39F English Electric
NumberCHA 533
Fleet numbers not shown on vehicles at the time of the photograph, vehicles identified by registration numbers or bonnet numbers. Displayed fleet number 1909 (from c. 3/44)
OperatorBirmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Company Limited (Midland “Red”), Leamington depot
New (?/36) to Birmingham & Midland Motor OC Ltd. (Midland “Red”), Smethwick. Withdrawn (4/55). Reinstated (?/55) as staff bus. Withdrawn (?/59). Passed (?/60) to ?, Selly Oak, Birmingham
LocationEuston Place gardens, Leamington Spa.
DescriptionSeen in blackout livery with white mudflaps and covered headlights.
The notes with the photograph say that the metal railing in the background were removed as scrap metal soon after, as part of the war effort.
DateMay 1940
SourceUnknown.
DD12 on Wednesday 4th November 2020
Lovely photo, thanks -- a bit classier looking than most Midland Red "captures" !!

TimBrown on Wednesday 11th November 2020
Yes, especially in un-rebuilt condition with waist-rail mouldings, drop windows and glass weather/draught excluding feature at top of most side windows. Note too, the large round company crest on the off-side front valance. Imagine starting this bus by hand on a cold winter's morning using the large radiator mounted handle! Many years ago I began a fleetlist of Pre-War Midland Red vehicles and the attached is my unchecked and unverified data for CHA 533; 1909 CHA 533 EE RY 12/36, LN 10/37, SA 05/40, possibly SS, rebuilt by Nudd 1949/51, at NN 1951, LN 05/51, NN 07/51, WDN 04/55. Used as towing and staff bus, WDN 1959. Private owner, Selly Oak. Worcester ran a large number of the CHA SON's right through WWII and many lasted into the mid 1950's. At the time I lived in Fernhill Heath on the 144 route which was predominantly a double-deck operation so regrettably rarely travelled on these SON's as they worked on City services and some country routes. Hereford and Malvern garages also ran this type. They were relatively lightweight by today's standards (5.75 tons?) and reportedly lively performers.

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  SorryNo route number recorded for this photograph.