Classic Buses Profiles

Aldershot and District Dennis Lancets (by Dick Gilbert)

Last updated 11 October 2022

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This page is dedicated to the extensive fleet of Dennis Lancets operated by Aldershot and District Traction Company Ltd. in Surrey, Hampshire and West Sussex both before and after the second world war.

The archetypal post-war Aldershot and District Dennis Lancet with Strachans bodywork. This is one of the twenty three Lancet III buses purchased in 1949 and typifies the styling with which the type was known for decades. No. 114 (GOU 814) is seen on Route 17 in Castle Street, Farnham in the late 1950s. Many thanks to Peter Trevaskis for the fine picture, via the Aldershot and District bus interest group. See further down this page for a picture of the same vehicle after retirement and conversion to a service lorry.

INTRODUCTION AND CREDITS

Aldershot and District Traction Company (known affectionately as Tracco) operated more than 300 Dennis Lancet buses and coaches over the years, with the first example being acquired in 1932. What follows is an attempt to create a brief history of the type, in the form of records and images designed to give even the casual reader some impression of the development and classic styling of this extensive fleet.

The company's predecessor, Aldershot and Farnborough Motor Omnibus Co., was formed in 1906, and adopted the A and D name in 1912, acquiring its first Dennis bus in 1916.

For many years A and D favoured products from the local firm of Dennis Bros. Ltd., Guildford. Similarly, bodywork for the majority of their vehicles for around 30 years came from the firm of Strachans Successors Ltd., of North Acton, London W3 (originally known as Strachans and Brown). The resultant Dennis/Strachans styling for their halfcab single deckers became synonymous with A and D and was immediately identifiable as one of their distinctive fleet. Five of the breed survive today in preservation, one pre-war example and four post-war.

Initially the vehicles were identified by the prefix D (representing Dennis) added to the company chassis number. This was shown in small characters, usually on the bonnet. In late 1950/early 1951 this practice was dropped, and a larger list number was displayed on the front and back of the vehicle. This was effectively a fleet number, and bore no relation to the previous numbering system.

From the company's last batch of halfcab Lancets, this is No.181 (HOU 907) in the mid 1960s, possibly at Guildford or Hindhead depots. Photographer unknown.

Owners of pictures, when known, are credited, and their use is much appreciated. However the photographers of some pictures are not shown on the original photograph, and therefore are not known to me. Whoever they were I thank them, and if they contact me with their names they will of course be credited. If a rightful owner wishes me to remove any image, it will be done forthwith. However I hope that photographers (or copyright holders) will permit the use of these fine pictures in their proper context.

All batches are arranged in order of delivery.

My thanks to the Aldershot and District bus interest group for their assistance; please visit their website for more information.

As with my other lists, there are bound to be mistakes, and some relevant information may be missing, so in order to make it as accurate a reference as possible, I would of course welcome any additions or corrections.

FLEET LIST

DENNIS LANCET BUS  -  D348 (Total 1)

Built 1932

Chassis: Dennis Lancet I, 4-cylinder petrol engine.

Body: Strachans B32R with rear roof luggage rack.

Notes: Aldershot and District's first Dennis Lancet.

DENNIS LANCET BUSES  -  D349-350 (Total 2)

Built: 1932

Chassis: Dennis Lancet I, 4-cylinder petrol engine.

Body: Strachans B32R

  • D349 (CG 1315) c/n 170175. Withdrawn 1940.
  • D350 (CG 1316) c/n 170179. Withdrawn 1940.

DENNIS LANCET COACHES  -  D351-362 (Total 12)

Lancet D356 (CG 1322) probably at Guildford depot shortly before its withdrawal from service in 1948, with a similar example alongside. Photo by M. C. Lawson, via Aldershot and District Bus Interest Group.

Built: 1932

Chassis: Dennis Lancet I, 4-cylinder petrol engine.

Body: Strachans C30R

Notes: All used as wartime ambulances from 1939, but returned to service 1945-46. All withdrawn in 1948.

  • D351 (CG 1317) c/n 170099.
  • D352 (CG 1318) c/n 170100.
  • D353 (CG 1319) c/n 170101.
  • D354 (CG 1320) c/n 170115.
  • D355 (CG 1321) c/n 170159.
  • D356 (CG 1322) c/n 170160. With rear roof luggage pannier.
  • D357 (CG 1323) c/n 170161.
  • D358 (CG 1324) c/n 170170.
  • D359 (CG 1325) c/n 170171.
  • D360 (CG 1326) c/n 170174.
  • D361 (CG 1327) c/n 170177.
  • D362 (CG 1328) c/n 170178.

DENNIS LANCET COACHES  -  D363-D364 (Total 2)

Built: Early 1934

Chassis: Dennis Lancet I, petrol engine.

Body: Strachans C30R

Notes: Later had large roof luggage panniers fitted. Both withdrawn in 1948.

  • D363 (CG 6358) c/n 170464. Used as military ambulance from 1939, returned 1946, withdrawn 1948.
  • D364 (CG 6357) c/n 170474. Used as military ambulance from 1939, returned 1945, withdrawn 1948.

DENNIS LANCET COACHES  -  D391-399 (Total 9)

Clearly Lancet D395 (CG 9600) is being made ready for disposal, with the A and D titles already painted over and destination blinds removed, so this photo was probably taken in 1949. These vehicles show few differences from the 1932 deliveries, apart from a full-length roof pannier. Photo by M. C. Lawson, via Aldershot and District Bus Interest Group.

Built: 1935

Chassis: Dennis Lancet I

Body: Strachans C30R

Notes: All used as wartime ambulances from 1939, but returned to service 1945-46. All withdrawn 1948-49.

  • D391 (CG 9596) c/n 170763. Withdrawn 1949.
  • D392 (CG 9597) c/n 170765.
  • D393 (CG 9598) c/n 170780. With full-length roof luggage pannier. Withdrawn 1949 and sold to M.Hill, Hayling Island.
  • D394 (CG 9599) c/n 170779.
  • D395 (CG 9600) c/n 170788. With full-length roof luggage pannier.
  • D396 (CG 9601) c/n 170795.
  • D397 (CG 9602) c/n 170796.
  • D398 (CG 9603) c/n 170799.
  • D399 (CG 9605) c/n 170792.

DENNIS LANCET BUSES  -  D407-425 (Total 19)

Lancet No.667 (AOT 600) in the late 1950s when being used by a showman. (Photo via Bristol Vintage Bus Group)

Built: 1936

Chassis: Dennis Lancet I, petrol engine.

Body: Strachans B30R. Most were rebodied by Vincent of Reading as B32R in 1948-49, using interior fittings from old Strachans bodies.

Notes: All used as wartime ambulances from 1939, but returned to service 1944-46. Most converted to oil engines in the late 1940s.

  • D407 (AOT 587) c/n 171025. Rebodied by Vincent c.1948. Renumbered 654 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.
  • D408 (AOT 588) c/n 171030. Rebodied by Vincent c.1948. Renumbered 655 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.
  • D409 (AOT 589) c/n 171028. Rebodied by Vincent c.1948. Old body donated to D425. Renumbered 656 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.
  • D410 (AOT 590) c/n 171029. Rebodied by Vincent c.1948. Old body donated to D424. Renumbered 657 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954. Later used by showman.
  • D411 (AOT 591) c/n 171031. Rebodied by Vincent c.1948. Rear roof luggage pannier. Renumbered 658 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.
  • D412 (AOT 592) c/n 171032. Rebodied by Vincent c.1948. Renumbered 659 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.
  • D413 (AOT 593) c/n 171034. Rebodied by Vincent c.1948. Renumbered 660 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.
  • D414 (AOT 594) c/n 171033. Rebodied by Vincent c.1948. No roof luggage pannier. Renumbered 661 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.
  • D415 (AOT 595) c/n 171037. Rebodied by Vincent c.1948. Renumbered 662 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.
  • D416 (AOT 596) c/n 171035. Rebodied by Vincent c.1948. Renumbered 663 in 1951. Still active 1955.
  • D417 (AOT 597) c/n 171039. Rebodied by Vincent c.1948. Renumbered 664 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.
  • D418 (AOT 598) c/n 171040. Rebodied by Strachans as B32R due to accident damage 1946. Renumbered 665 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.
  • D419 (AOT 599) c/n 171052. Rebodied by Vincent c.1948. Renumbered 666 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.
  • D420 (AOT 600) c/n 171056. Rebodied by Vincent c.1948. Renumbered 667 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954. Later used by showman.
  • D421 (AOT 601) c/n 171060. Rebodied by Vincent c.1948. Renumbered 668 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.
  • D422 (AOT 602) c/n 171025. Withdrawn 1949.
  • D423 (AOT 603) c/n 171098. Withdrawn 1949.
  • D424 (AOT 604) c/n 171107. Received old body from D410 in 1948. Withdrawn 1949.
  • D425 (AOT 605) c/n 171124. Received old body from D409 in 1948. Withdrawn 1949.

DENNIS LANCET BUSES  -  D427-D436 / 674-677, 683 (Total 10)

Lancet No.676 (BAA 389) in the late 1950s when being used by a showman. (Photo via Bristol Vintage Bus Group)

Built: 1936

Chassis: Dennis Lancet I, petrol engine.

Body: Strachans B32R. Two were rebodied post-war by Strachans as B32R. Three others were rebodied by Vincent of Reading as B32R in 1948-49, using interior fittings from old Strachans bodies.

  • D427 (BAA 387) c/n 171063. Used as wartime ambulance 1939-c1945. Rebodied by Vincent c.1948. Renumbered 674 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954. With showman 1958 (The Great Konralto & Co). With Chipperfields Circus 1960.
  • D428 (BAA 388) c/n 171066. Used as wartime ambulance 1939-c1945. Rebodied by Vincent c.1948. Renumbered 675 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.
  • D429 (BAA 389) c/n 171127. Used as wartime ambulance 1939-c1945. Rebodied by Vincent c.1948. Renumbered 676 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954. Later used by showman.
  • D430 (BAA 390) c/n 171130. Rebodied by Strachans B32R c.1948. Rear roof luggage pannier. Renumbered 677 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954. With Chipperfields Circus 1960.
  • D431 (BAA 391) c/n 171132. Withdrawn 1940.
  • D432 (BAA 392) c/n 171131. Withdrawn 1940.
  • D433 (BAA 393) c/n 171126. Withdrawn 1940.
  • D434 (BAA 394) c/n 171133. Withdrawn 1940.
  • D435 (BAA 395) c/n 171134. Withdrawn 1949.
  • D436 (BAA 396) c/n 171139. Rebodied by Strachans B32R c.1948. Renumbered 683 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.

DENNIS LANCET II BUSES  -  D437-456 (Total 20)

Lancet D441 (BOT 292), nearing the end of its service around 1950, from the first batch of Lancet II vehicles, with the revised style of radiator grille. This delivery had a more modern appearance, very much like the post-war vehicles that were to follow. Photo by M. C. Lawson, via The Aldershot and District Bus Interest Group.

Gordon Oram wrote to say "this bus is probably parked in the old station yard at Guildford. It has been on route 65 which went from Guildford to the village of Puttenham. The route went into Compton off the A3 where the bus had to turn round before continuing its journey. I can remember many trips in the early 1950s on this route to an aunt who lived in Puttenham. The route ran every hour and the yellow bus services had a route that ran hourly from Guildford to Farnham through Puttenham and Seale (not going down to Compton). This gave the village a half hourly service."

Built: 1936-37

Chassis: Dennis Lancet II, petrol engine.

Body: Strachans B32R, but Built to virtual coach standard, some with full-length roof luggage pannier.

  • D437 (BOT 288) c/n 175121. Withdrawn 1940.
  • D438 (BOT 289) c/n 175133. Renumbered 695 in 1951. Withdrawn 1951.
  • D439 (BOT 290) c/n 175149. Renumbered 696 in 1951. Withdrawn 1951.
  • D440 (BOT 291) c/n 175151. Renumbered 697 in 1951. Withdrawn 1951.
  • D441 (BOT 292) c/n 175157. No roof luggage pannier. Renumbered 698 in 1951. Withdrawn 1951.
  • D442 (BOT 293) c/n 175182. Renumbered 699 in 1951. Withdrawn 1951.
  • D443 (BOT 294) c/n 175181. Renumbered 700 in 1951. Withdrawn 1951.
  • D444 (BOT 295) c/n 175183. Renumbered 701 in 1951. Withdrawn 1951.
  • D445 (BOT 296) c/n 175185. Renumbered 702 in 1951.Withdrawn 1951.
  • D446 (BOT 297) c/n 175191. Decorated to celebrate Coronation of King George VI in 1937. To War Department 1940. Renumbered 703 in 1951. Sold 1951 to J. Brown, Feltham.
  • D447 (BOT 298) c/n 175210. Withdrawn 1949.
  • D448 (BOT 299) c/n 175213. Withdrawn 1949.
  • D449 (BOT 300) c/n 175211. Withdrawn 1949.
  • D450 (BOT 301) c/n 175214. Withdrawn 1949.
  • D451 (BOT 302) c/n 175217. No roof luggage pannier in 1944. Renumbered 708 in 1951. Withdrawn 1951.
  • D452 (BOT 303) c/n 175251. Withdrawn 1949. ** SURVIVOR ** A and D Omnibuses Rescue and Restoration Society. body collapsed by 2004, but complete rebuild intended.
  • D453 (BOT 304) c/n 175246. Renumbered 710 in 1951. Withdrawn 1951.
  • D454 (BOT 305) c/n 175270. Renumbered 711 in 1951. Withdrawn 1951.
  • D455 (BOT 306) c/n 175272. Withdrawn 1949.
  • D456 (BOT 307) c/n 175306. Withdrawn 1949.

DENNIS LANCET II COACHES  -  D498-510/755-767 (Total 13)

Built: 1937-38

Chassis: Dennis Lancet II, 6.5 litre Dennis O4 oil engine.

Body: Strachans C32R with no roof luggage pannier.

Notes: Intended for the Farnham-London service. All were withdrawn 1953-54.

Here is No.764 (COR 160) after retirement from service. The picture was taken by Paul Redmond and comes from his fabulous collection of bus, coach, truck and railway photos. Many thanks to Paul.

  • D498 (COR 151) c/n 175375. Renumbered 755 in 1951. Withdrawn 1953.
  • D499 (COR 152) c/n 175416. Renumbered 756 in 1951. Withdrawn 1953.
  • D500 (COR 153) c/n 175409. Renumbered 757 in 1951. Withdrawn 1953.
  • D501 (COR 154) c/n 175408. Renumbered 758 in 1951. Withdrawn 1953.
  • D502 (COR 155) c/n 175417. Renumbered 759 in 1951. Withdrawn 1953.
  • D503 (COR 156) c/n 175453. Renumbered 760 in 1951. Withdrawn 1953.
  • D504 (COR 157) c/n 175447. Renumbered 761 in 1951. Withdrawn 1953.
  • D505 (COR 158) c/n 175454. Renumbered 762 in 1951. Withdrawn 1953.
  • D506 (COR 159) c/n 175457. Renumbered 763 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954, sold to Jones, Chertsey.
  • D507 (COR 160) c/n 175449. Renumbered 764 in 1951. Withdrawn 1953.
  • D508 (COR 161) c/n 175456. Renumbered 765 in 1951. Withdrawn 1953.
  • D509 (COR 162) c/n 175465. Renumbered 766 in 1951. Withdrawn 1953.
  • D510 (COR 163) c/n 175462. Renumbered 767 in 1951. Withdrawn 1953.

DENNIS LANCET II BUSES  -  D511-D538/768-795 (Total 28)

Lancet No.772 (COR 168) in the late 1950s when in use as a caravan. (Photo via Bristol vintage bus group)

Built: 1938

Chassis: Dennis Lancet II, 6.5 litre Dennis O4 oil engine.

Body: Dennis B32R

  • D511 (COR 164) c/n 175516. Renumbered 768 in 1951. Withdrawn 1952.
  • D512 (COR 165) c/n 175517. Renumbered 769 in 1951. Withdrawn 1951.
  • D513 (COR 166) c/n 175521. Renumbered 770 in 1951. Withdrawn 1951.
  • D514 (COR 167) c/n 175520. Renumbered 771 in 1951. Had bonnet number D515 until 1951. Withdrawn 1952.
  • D515 (COR 168) c/n 175523. Renumbered 772 in 1951. Had bonnet number D514 until 1951. Withdrawn 1952. Later became a caravan.
  • D516 (COR 169) c/n 175531. Renumbered 773 in 1951. Withdrawn 1952.
  • D517 (COR 170) c/n 175541. Renumbered 774 in 1951. Withdrawn 1952.
  • D518 (COR 171) c/n 175540. Renumbered 775 in 1951. Withdrawn 1952.
  • D519 (COR 172) c/n 175545. Renumbered 776 in 1951. Withdrawn 1952.
  • D520 (COR 173) c/n 175544. Renumbered 777 in 1951. Withdrawn 1951.
  • D521 (COR 174) c/n 175546. Renumbered 778 in 1951. Withdrawn 1952.
  • D522 (COR 175) c/n 175547. Renumbered 779 in 1951. Withdrawn 1952.
  • D523 (COR 176) c/n 175567. Renumbered 780 in 1951. Withdrawn 1952.
  • D524 (COR 177) c/n 175565. Renumbered 781 in 1951. Withdrawn 1952.
  • D525 (COR 178) c/n 175572. Renumbered 782 in 1951. Withdrawn 1952.
  • D526 (COR 179) c/n 175576. Renumbered 783 in 1951. Withdrawn 1951.
  • D527 (COR 180) c/n 175574. Renumbered 784 in 1951. Withdrawn 1952.
  • D528 (COR 181) c/n 175579. Renumbered 785 in 1951. Withdrawn 1952.
  • D529 (COR 182) c/n 175580. Renumbered 786 in 1951. Withdrawn 1952.
  • D530 (COR 183) c/n 175586. Renumbered 787 in 1951. Withdrawn 1951.
  • D531 (COR 184) c/n 175591. Renumbered 788 in 1951. Withdrawn 1952.
  • D532 (COR 185) c/n 175587. Renumbered 789 in 1951. Rear roof luggage pannier. Withdrawn 1954, sold to Jones, Chertsey.
  • D533 (COR 186) c/n 175592. Renumbered 790 in 1951. Withdrawn 1952.
  • D534 (COR 187) c/n 175593. Renumbered 791 in 1951. Rear roof luggage pannier. Withdrawn 1952.
  • D535 (COR 188) c/n 175594. Renumbered 792 in 1951. Withdrawn 1951.
  • D536 (COR 189) c/n 175595. Renumbered 793 in 1951. Withdrawn 1952.
  • D537 (COR 190) c/n 175596. Renumbered 794 in 1951. Withdrawn 1952.
  • D538 (COR 191) c/n 175597. Renumbered 795 in 1951. Withdrawn 1951.

DENNIS LANCET COACH  -  D539 (Total 1)

Built: May 1935, acquired by Aldershot & District in January 1938.

Chassis: Dennis Lancet 6

Body: Dennis, probably C32F

  • D539 (CPH 130) c/n 170936. New to A. T. Locke & Sons/Blue Saloon Coaches, Guildford 5/35. To Aldershot & District 1/38. To Royal Army Service Corps 7/40. To Forest Greyhound, Cinderford 12/45, to Don Everall, Wolverhampton 6/49, to Holbeck Coaches, Birkenhead 2/52, to Lewis, Pailton 11/52, to Cream Tours, Pailton 4/53, to a contractor, Leicester 9/54.

DENNIS LANCET II BUSES  -  D543-D581/804-842 (Total 39)

Seen around 1953 is Lancet 805 (DHO 268) with a Strachans body on Route 19 to Aldershot. Photo by kind permission of P. M. Photography, Camberley.

As a comparison with the photo of 805, Lancet 816 (DHO 279) has a Dennis-built body. Does anyone recognise the location? Photo by Norman Hamshere, Guildford.

Paul Wyatt kindly emailed to say "the bus is parked at the arrival point at the Aldershot Bus Station. The fence on the right of the photo is that of the railway station yard, and the building behind the bus is the South Western hotel. The buses would draw into the bus station and they would set down their passengers at this point, later marked on the tarmac as setting down bay, the crew would then go off for a brew or change routes, the new crew moving onto the bay." Thank you Paul.

Built: Late 1939/early 1940.

Chassis: Dennis Lancet II, Gardner 5LW oil engine.

Body: Nineteen (the first six, and the last thirteen) had Strachans B32R bodies, and the other twenty had virtually identical Dennis B32R bodies.

  • D543 (DHO 267) c/n 175739. Strachans B32R. Renumbered 804 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.
  • D544 (DHO 268) c/n 175740. Strachans B32R. No roof luggage pannier. Renumbered 805 in 1951. Withdrawn 1953.
  • D545 (DHO 269) c/n 175742. Strachans B32R. Renumbered 806 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.
  • D546 (DHO 270) c/n 175743. Strachans B32R. Renumbered 807 in 1951. Withdrawn 1953.
  • D547 (DHO 271) c/n 175744. Strachans B32R. Renumbered 808 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.
  • D548 (DHO 272) c/n 175715. Strachans B32R. Renumbered 809 in 1951. Withdrawn 1953.
  • D549 (DHO 273) c/n 175711. Dennis B32R. Rear roof luggage pannier. Renumbered 810 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.
  • D550 (DHO 274) c/n 175741. Dennis B32R. Renumbered 811 in 1951. Withdrawn 1953.
  • D551 (DHO 275) c/n 175713. Dennis B32R. Renumbered 812 in 1951. Withdrawn 1953.
  • D552 (DHO 276) c/n 175714. Dennis B32R. Renumbered 813 in 1951. Withdrawn 1953.
  • D553 (DHO 277) c/n 175716. Dennis B32R. Renumbered 814 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.
  • D554 (DHO 278) c/n 175717. Dennis B32R. Renumbered 815 in 1951. Withdrawn 1953.
  • D555 (DHO 279) c/n 175718. Dennis B32R. Rear roof luggage pannier, but removed by 1953. Renumbered 816 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.
  • D556 (DHO 280) c/n 175719. Dennis B32R. Renumbered 817 in 1951. Withdrawn 1953.
  • D557 (DHO 281) c/n 175700. Dennis B32R. Renumbered 818 in 1951. Withdrawn 1953.
  • D558 (DHO 282) c/n 175701. Dennis B32R with rear roof luggage pannier. Renumbered 819 in 1951. Withdrawn 1953.
  • D559 (DHO 283) c/n 175702. Dennis B32R. Renumbered 820 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.
  • D560 (DHO 284) c/n 175703. Dennis B32R. Renumbered 821 in 1951. Withdrawn 1953.
  • D561 (DHO 285) c/n 175704. Dennis B32R. Renumbered 822 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.
  • D562 (DHO 286) c/n 175705. Dennis B32R. Renumbered 823 in 1951. Withdrawn 1953.
  • D563 (DHO 287) c/n 175706. Dennis B32R. Renumbered 824 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.
  • D564 (DHO 288) c/n 175707. Dennis B32R. Renumbered 825 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.
  • D565 (DHO 289) c/n 175708. Dennis B32R. Renumbered 826 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.
  • D566 (DHO 290) c/n 175709. Dennis B32R. Renumbered 827 in 1951. Withdrawn 1953.
  • D567 (DHO 291) c/n 175710. Dennis B32R. Renumbered 828 in 1951. Withdrawn 1953.
  • D568 (DHO 292) c/n 175731. Dennis B32R. Renumbered 829 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.
  • D569 (DHO 293) c/n 175699. Strachans B32R. Renumbered 830 in 1951. Withdrawn 1953.
  • D570 (DHO 294) c/n 175722. Strachans B32R. Renumbered 831 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.
  • D571 (DHO 295) c/n 175723. Strachans B32R. Renumbered 832 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.
  • D572 (DHO 296) c/n 175721. Strachans B32R. Renumbered 833 in 1951. Withdrawn 1953.
  • D573 (DHO 297) c/n 175724. Strachans B32R. Renumbered 834 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.
  • D574 (DHO 298) c/n 175725. Strachans B32R. Renumbered 835 in 1951. Withdrawn 1953.
  • D575 (DHO 299) c/n 175726. Strachans B32R. Renumbered 836 in 1951. Withdrawn 1953.
  • D576 (DHO 300) c/n 175727. Strachans B32R. Renumbered 837 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.
  • D577 (DHO 301) c/n 175728. Strachans B32R. Renumbered 838 in 1951. Withdrawn 1953.
  • D578 (DHO 302) c/n 175729. Strachans B32R. Renumbered 839 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.
  • D579 (DHO 303) c/n 175712. Strachans B32R. Renumbered 840 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.
  • D580 (DHO 304) c/n 175736. Strachans B32R. Renumbered 841 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.
  • D581 (DHO 305) c/n 175737. Strachans B32R. Renumbered 842 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.

DENNIS LANCET II BUSES  -  D598-D605 / 859-866 (Total 8)

Lancet No.860 (ECG 381) after its renumbering in 1951. (Photo Roy Marshall via East Pennine transport group)

Built; 1941-42 (unfrozen chassis)

Chassis: Dennis Lancet II, Gardner 5LW oil engine.

Body: Strachans B32R or B32F

Notes: Aldershot and District were fortunate to be able to take delivery of these unfrozen wartime buses which were virtually identical to their peacetime specifications. All were renumbered in 1951.

  • D598 (ECG 380) c/n 175757. Deliv.1941. Strachans B32R. Body renovated by Portsmouth Aviation 1948. Renumbered 859 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.
  • D599 (ECG 381) c/n 175758. Deliv.1941. Strachans B32R. Body renovated by Portsmouth Aviation 1948. Renumbered 860 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.
  • D600 (ECG 424) c/n 175756. Deliv.1941. Strachans B32R. Body renovated by Portsmouth Aviation 1948. Renumbered 861 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.
  • D601 (ECG 852) c/n 175769. Deliv.1942. Strachans B32F (later B32R). Body renovated by Portsmouth Aviation 1948. Renumbered 862 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.
  • D602 (ECG 600) c/n 175759. Deliv.1942. Strachans B32R. Body renovated by Portsmouth Aviation 1948. Renumbered 863 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.
  • D603 (ECG 851) c/n 175770. Deliv.1942. Strachans B32F (later B32R). Body renovated by Portsmouth Aviation 1948. Renumbered 864 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.
  • D604 (ECG 945) c/n 175771. Deliv.1942. Strachans B32F (later B32R). Body renovated by Portsmouth Aviation 1948. Renumbered 865 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954 and became showman's vehicle named Baby Bill.
  • D605 (EHO 162) c/n 175779. Deliv.1942. Strachans B32R. Body renovated by Portsmouth Aviation 1948. Renumbered 866 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.

DENNIS LANCET III BUS  -  D606/887 (Total 1)

As part of the press demonstration of this Dennis Lancet III prototype, EOR 743 (wearing trade plates 659 PB) is seen here having climbed a 1 in 4.5 hill at Shottermill, near Haslemere in May 1945. Photographer unknown.

The one-off Lancet III prototype when in service as No.887 (EOR 743) in the early 1950s. Seen at Aldershot bus station on a short working of Route 6 to Bordon Camp. Photographer unknown.

Built: Early 1945

Chassis: Dennis Lancet III, Dennis O6 7.585 litre direct-injection 6-cylinder oil engine.

Body: Dennis B32R

Notes: The first Lancet III Built by Dennis (prototype).

  • D606 (EOR 743) c/n 175781. Renumbered 887 in 1951. Withdrawn 1956.

DENNIS LANCET III BUSES  -  D607-656/894-943 (Total 50)

This is one of the fifty Lancet III buses purchased immediately after the war and typifies the styling with which the type was known for decades. No.923 (EOU 464) had originally been numbered D636. It claims to be going to Hindhead, via Hindhead, and Geoff Baker tells me he is sure the location is the drive up to Hindhead Depot, known as the slope (Geoff Courtnage wrote to say that he agrees with this location). Photo thanks to Peter Trevaskis, via the Aldershot and District bus interest group.

Martin Grinstead wrote "Just a short note on EOU 464. I think the destination blind is correct but probably reads Hindhead Golf Club via Hindhead. This was an extra part of route 19 to allow passengers to get to Beacon Hill, which was the busiest part of the route from Haslemere. Another route was the 19A during the summer, which ran all the way to Bognor via Chichester bus station."

Built: December 1946 to June 1948

Chassis: Dennis Lancet III J3, Dennis O6 7.585 litre direct-injection 6-cylinder oil engine.

Body: Strachans B32R, some with rear roof luggage pannier.

  • D607 (EOU 435) c/n 143J3, deliv. 2/47. Renumbered 894 in 1951. Withdrawn 1956.
  • D608 (EOU 436) c/n 102J3, deliv. 1/47. Renumbered 895 in 1951. Withdrawn 1957.
  • D609 (EOU 437) c/n 103J3, deliv. 12/46. Renumbered 896 in 1951. Withdrawn 1956.
  • D610 (EOU 438) c/n 104J3, deliv. 2/47. Renumbered 897 in 1951. Withdrawn 1956.
  • D611 (EOU 439) c/n 105J3, deliv. 12/46. Renumbered 898 in 1951. Withdrawn 1958, but stored for some months.
  • D612 (EOU 440) c/n 109J3, deliv. 1/47. Renumbered 899 in 1951. Withdrawn 1954.
  • D613 (EOU 441) c/n 110J3, deliv. 2/47. No roof luggage pannier. Renumbered 900 in 1951. Withdrawn 1955.
  • D614 (EOU 442) c/n 111J3, deliv. 1/47. Renumbered 901 in 1951. Withdrawn 1956.
  • D615 (EOU 443) c/n 114J3, deliv. 1/47. Renumbered 902 in 1951. Withdrawn 1955.
  • D616 (EOU 444) c/n 115J3, deliv. 12/46. Renumbered 903 in 1951. Withdrawn 1958, sold to E.J.Baker, Dorking.
  • D617 (EOU 445) c/n 121J3, deliv. 4/47. Renumbered 904 in 1951. Withdrawn 1957.
  • D618 (EOU 446) c/n 122J3, deliv. 5/47. Renumbered 905 in 1951. Withdrawn 1956.
  • D619 (EOU 447) c/n 126J3, deliv. 5/47. Renumbered 906 in 1951. Withdrawn 1956.
  • D620 (EOU 448) c/n 127J3, deliv. 5/47. Renumbered 907 in 1951. Withdrawn 1956. In use as a stock-car transporter 1961 - most of Body removed.
  • D621 (EOU 449) c/n 135J3, deliv. 5/47. Renumbered 908 in 1951. Withdrawn 1957.
  • D622 (EOU 450) c/n 136J3, deliv. 5/47. Renumbered 909 in 1951. Withdrawn 1957.
  • D623 (EOU 451) c/n 101J3, deliv. 3/47, first production Lancet III. Renumbered 910 in 1951. Withdrawn 1956. With Smiths, Reading 1959, derelict and apparently used for spares.
  • D624 (EOU 452) c/n 144J3, deliv. 3/47. Renumbered 911 in 1951. Withdrawn 1956.
  • D625 (EOU 453) c/n 152J3, deliv. 3/47. Renumbered 912 in 1951. Withdrawn 1957.
  • D626 (EOU 454) c/n 153J3, deliv. 3/47. Renumbered 913 in 1951. Withdrawn 1957.
  • D627 (EOU 455) c/n 160J3, deliv. 6/47. Renumbered 914 in 1951. Withdrawn 1957.
  • D628 (EOU 456) c/n 161J3, deliv. 6/47. Renumbered 915 in 1951. Withdrawn 1957. With Campbell, Nottingham 1958.
  • D629 (EOU 457) c/n 174J3, deliv. 6/47. Renumbered 916 in 1951. Withdrawn 1956.
  • D630 (EOU 458) c/n 175J3, deliv. 7/47. Renumbered 917 in 1951. Withdrawn 1957.
  • D631 (EOU 459) c/n 183J3, deliv. 6/47. Renumbered 918 in 1951. Withdrawn 1957.
  • D632 (EOU 460) c/n 184J3, deliv. 6/47. Renumbered 919 in 1951. Withdrawn 1956.
  • D633 (EOU 461) c/n 194J3, deliv. 7/47. Renumbered 920 in 1951. Withdrawn 1957. With Contract Bus Services 1960.
  • D634 (EOU 462) c/n 195J3, deliv. 7/47. Renumbered 921 in 1951. Withdrawn 1956.
  • D635 (EOU 463) c/n 203J3, deliv. 8/47. Renumbered 922 in 1951. Withdrawn 1956.
  • D636 (EOU 464) c/n 204J3, deliv. 7/47. No roof luggage pannier. Renumbered 923 in 1951. Withdrawn 1957. With C.Margo, Croydon 1959.
  • D637 (EOU 465) c/n 212J3, deliv. 7/47. Renumbered 924 in 1951. Withdrawn 1957.
  • D638 (EOU 466) c/n 213J3, deliv. 9/47. Renumbered 925 in 1951. Still active 1956, but with Lloyd, Nuneaton 1960, and withdrawn by them that year.
  • D639 (EOU 467) c/n 223J3, deliv. 9/47. Renumbered 926 in 1951. Withdrawn 1956.
  • D640 (EOU 468) c/n 224J3, deliv. 8/47. Renumbered 927 in 1951. Withdrawn 1956.
  • D641 (EOU 469) c/n 233J3, deliv. 9/47. Renumbered 928 in 1951. Withdrawn 1957. With Lloyd, Nuneaton 1960, and withdrawn by them that year.
  • D642 (EOU 470) c/n 245J3, deliv. 9/47. Renumbered 929 in 1951. Withdrawn 1957.
  • D643 (EOU 471) c/n 248J3, deliv. 10/47. Renumbered 930 in 1951. Withdrawn 1957.
  • D644 (EOU 472) c/n 254J3, deliv. 10/47. Renumbered 931 in 1951. Withdrawn 1956.
  • D645 (EOU 473) c/n 258J3, deliv. 12/47. Renumbered 932 in 1951. Withdrawn 1957. With Wheatsheaf, Merthyr Tydfil 1958.
  • D646 (EOU 474) c/n 264J3, deliv. 10/47. Renumbered 933 in 1951. Withdrawn 1957.
  • D647 (EOU 475) c/n 268J3, deliv. 1/48. Renumbered 934 in 1951. Withdrawn 1957.
  • D648 (EOU 476) c/n 234J3, deliv. 1/48. Renumbered 935 in 1951. Withdrawn 1957.
  • D649 (EOU 477) c/n 284J3, deliv. 1/48. Renumbered 936 in 1951. Withdrawn 1957. With Nicholls, Bitterne, for staff transport 1959.
  • D650 (EOU 478) c/n 285J3, deliv. 1/48. Renumbered 937 in 1951. Withdrawn 1957.
  • D651 (EOU 479) c/n 301J3, deliv. 1/48. Renumbered 938 in 1951. Withdrawn 1957. With Knight, Whaley Bridge 1958.
  • D652 (EOU 480) c/n 302J3, deliv. 1/48. Renumbered 939 in 1951. Withdrawn Sept 1957. Via PVD (dealer) to Frankipile (pile drivers) Croydon, then with Daisy Bus, Broughton 1958.
  • D653 (EOU 481) c/n 307J3, deliv. 2/48. Renumbered 940 in 1951. Withdrawn 1957.
  • D654 (EOU 482) c/n 313J3, deliv. 2/48. Renumbered 941 in 1951. Withdrawn 1957. With Nicholls (contractor), Cosham 1960 as staff bus.
  • D655 (EOU 483) c/n 326J3, deliv. 3/48. Rear roof luggage pannier. Renumbered 942 in 1951. Withdrawn 1957.
  • D656 (EOU 484) c/n 327J3, deliv. 6/48. Renumbered 943 in 1951. Withdrawn 1957.

DENNIS LANCET III BUSES & COACHES -  D657-700/944-987 (Total 44)

Lancet No.983 (GAA 619) seen at Windsor on 16 June 1961, during its last season of service with A a nd D. Later that year it was to be sold, and relegated to carrying workers as a contractors' bus. Photo by kind permission of Nigel Lemon.

Built: 1948-49

Chassis: Dennis Lancet III J3, Dennis "O6" 7.585 litre direct-injection 6-cylinder oil engine.

Body: The first 29 had Strachans B32R bus bodies, delivered between June 1948 and March 1949; the last fifteen had C32R coach bodies but were delivered concurrently with the early buses during 1948.

Notes: For express services. Most withdrawn around 1961.

  • D657 (GAA 580) c/n 328J3, deliv. 6/48. B32R. Renumbered 944 in 1951. Withdrawn 1957. ** SURVIVOR **
  • D658 (GAA 581) c/n 329J3, deliv. 6/48. B32R. Renumbered 945 in 1951. Withdrawn 1957. With Tindall, Ashby-cum-Fenby in 1960.
  • D659 (GAA 582) c/n 330J3, deliv. 6/48. B32R. Renumbered 946 in 1951. Withdrawn 1958 (probably written off after an accident with a Seddon low-loader on the A281 between Shalford and Bramley)
  • D660 (GAA 583) c/n 360J3, deliv. 6/48. B32R. Renumbered 947 in 1951. Withdrawn 1957.
  • D661 (GAA 584) c/n 361J3, deliv. 6/48. B32R. Renumbered 948 in 1951. Withdrawn 1957.
  • D662 (GAA 585) c/n 364J3, deliv. 6/48. B32R. Renumbered 949 in 1951. Withdrawn 1958.
  • D663 (GAA 586) c/n 365J3, deliv. 6/48. B32R. Renumbered 950 in 1951. No roof luggage pannier in 1957. Withdrawn 1957.
  • D664 (GAA 587) c/n 483J3, deliv. 9/48. B32R. Renumbered 951 in 1951. Withdrawn 1957.
  • D665 (GAA 588) c/n 485J3, deliv. 9/48. B32R. Renumbered 952 in 1951. Withdrawn 1957.
  • D666 (GAA 589) c/n 484J3, deliv. 10/48. B32R. Renumbered 953 in 1951. Withdrawn 1957. To D.J.Davies (Wheatsheaf?), Merthyr Tydfil. With Ringham, Barry for staff transport 1960.
  • D667 (GAA 590) c/n 491J3, deliv. 10/48. B32R. Renumbered 954 in 1951. Withdrawn 1957. Sold 1958. With Mouget (contractors), Dormanstown 1959.
  • D668 (GAA 591) c/n 492J3, deliv. 10/48. B32R. Renumbered 955 in 1951. Withdrawn 1957.
  • D669 (GAA 592) c/n 498J3, deliv. 11/48. B32R. Renumbered 956 in 1951. Withdrawn early 1959 and sold to a contractor.
  • D670 (GAA 593) c/n 499J3, deliv. 11/48. B32R. Renumbered 957 in 1951. Withdrawn 1959. With Alginate Chemicals as staff bus 1960.
  • D671 (GAA 594) c/n 501J3, deliv. 11/48. B32R. Renumbered 958 in 1951. Withdrawn 1959, stored at Aldershot pending sale. To Gleeson (contractor) Manchester, and possibly later to McAlpine.
  • D672 (GAA 595) c/n 502J3, deliv. 11/48. B32R. Renumbered 959 in 1951. Withdrawn 1959.
  • D673 (GAA 596) c/n 503J3, deliv. 11/48. B32R. Renumbered 960 in 1951. Rear roof luggage pannier. Withdrawn 1959, stored at Aldershot pending sale.
  • D674 (GAA 597) c/n 508J3, deliv. 11/48. B32R. Renumbered 961 in 1951. Withdrawn 1959, stored at Aldershot pending sale.
  • D675 (GAA 598) c/n 509J3, deliv. 11/48. B32R. Renumbered 962 in 1951. Withdrawn 1959, stored at Aldershot pending sale.
  • D676 (GAA 599) c/n 513J3, deliv. 1/49. B32R. Renumbered 963 in 1951. Withdrawn 1959, stored at Aldershot pending sale. With Gleesons (contractors) 1960.
  • D677 (GAA 600) c/n 514J3, deliv. 12/48. B32R. Renumbered 964 in 1951. Rear roof luggage pannier, but no pannier in 1958. Withdrawn 1960. Workers bus with Gleeson, North Cheam 1961.
  • D678 (GAA 601) c/n 519J3, deliv. 1/49. B32R. Renumbered 965 in 1951. Withdrawn 1959, stored at Aldershot pending sale.
  • D679 (GAA 602) c/n 520J3, deliv. 1/49. B32R. Renumbered 966 in 1951. Withdrawn 1959, stored at Aldershot pending sale.
  • D680 (GAA 603) c/n 525J3, deliv. 2/49. B32R. Renumbered 967 in 1951. Withdrawn 1959.
  • D681 (GAA 604) c/n 540J3, deliv. 3/49. B32R. Renumbered 968 in 1951. Withdrawn 1959.
  • D682 (GAA 605) c/n 534J3, deliv. 3/49. B32R. Renumbered 969 in 1951. Withdrawn 1961, sold to Holland, Hannen and Cubitts (contractors).
  • D683 (GAA 606) c/n 526J3, deliv. 3/49. B32R. Renumbered 970 in 1951. Withdrawn 1960.
  • D684 (GAA 607) c/n 564J3, deliv. 3/49. B32R. Renumbered 971 in 1951. Withdrawn 1961.
  • D685 (GAA 608) c/n 566J3, deliv. 3/49. B32R. Renumbered 972 in 1951. Withdrawn 1958. With Gleesons (contractors) 1960.
  • D686 (GAA 609) c/n 366J3, deliv. 3/48. C32R. No roof luggage pannier. Renumbered 973 in 1951. Stored at Aldershot 1959, but apparently not withdrawn until 1961 (973 and 974 were the last of the batch to be withdrawn). With Alscot Motors, London SE1 in 1962.
  • D687 (GAA 610) c/n 392J3, deliv. 6/48. C32R. No roof luggage pannier. Renumbered 974 in 1951. Withdrawn 1961 (973 and 974 were the last of the batch to be withdrawn). With Alscot Motors, London SE1 in 1962.
  • D688 (GAA 611) c/n 394J3, deliv. 6/48. C32R. Renumbered 975 in 1951. Withdrawn 1961.
  • D689 (GAA 612) c/n 415J3, deliv. 6/48. C32R. Renumbered 976 in 1951. Withdrawn 1961. With Alscot Motors, London SE1 in 1962.
  • D690 (GAA 613) c/n 413J3, deliv. 6/48. C32R. Renumbered 977 in 1951. Withdrawn 1961. With Smith, Wood Norton 1963.
  • D691 (GAA 614) c/n 417J3, deliv. 6/48. C32R. Renumbered 978 in 1951. Withdrawn 1961.
  • D692 (GAA 615) c/n 429J3, deliv. 6/48. C32R. Renumbered 979 in 1951. Withdrawn 1961. With Sir Lindsay Parkinson (contractor) 1963 as their fleet no. SLP.3687.
  • D693 (GAA 616) c/n 430J3, deliv. 6/48. C32R. Renumbered 980 in 1951. Withdrawn 1961. With Central, Uppingham, Rutland 1962. ** SURVIVOR **
  • D694 (GAA 617) c/n 458J3, deliv. 7/48. C32R. No roof luggage pannier. Renumbered 981 in 1951. Withdrawn 1961. With Alscot Motors, London SE1 in 1962.
  • D695 (GAA 618) c/n 459J3, deliv. 7/48. C32R. Renumbered 982 in 1951. Withdrawn 1961. With B. S. Williams, Emsworth 1962.
  • D696 (GAA 619) c/n 462J3, deliv. 7/48. C32R. Renumbered 983 in 1951. Withdrawn 1961, sold to A. A. Stuart (contractor), Farnham.
  • D697 (GAA 620) c/n 471J3, deliv. 8/48. C32R. No roof luggage pannier. Renumbered 984 in 1951. Withdrawn 1961, sold to Sir Lindsay Parkinson (contractor) as their fleet no. SLP.3688.
  • D698 (GAA 621) c/n 472J3, deliv. 8/48. C32R. No roof luggage pannier. Renumbered 985 in 1951. Withdrawn 1961.
  • D699 (GAA 622) c/n 468J3, deliv. 8/48. C32R. No roof luggage pannier. Renumbered 986 in 1951. Withdrawn 1961.
  • D700 (GAA 623) c/n 482J3, deliv. 9/48. C32R. Renumbered 987 in 1951. Withdrawn 1961, sold to A. A. Stuart (contractor), Farnham.

DENNIS LANCET III BUSES  -  D707-D729/101-123 (Total 23)

Lancet No.103 (GOU 803) in the 1950s (Photo origin unknown). Gordon Oram tells me "The photo of 103 is taken at Woking Station bus stand one. The bus is on route 64 which ran every 2 hours via Westfield and Mayford to Pirbright Fox Corner as it was known 50 or so years ago, now just known as Fox Corner. I often used to travel on this route out to my home at Westfield. The hoarding on the wall behind the bus is an advert for Moldram, Clark and Edgley which was an estate agent for the town."

Lancet No.114 (GOU 814), seen in full glory at the top of this page, was withdrawn in 1961 and became a service lorry with the entire rear Body cut away. Here we see it at its base, Hindhead depot, on 12 April 1968 in its new guise as no. 38 with trade plates, alongside 1954 AEC Reliance 271 (MOR 602). Originally from a batch of 25, Reliance 271 was not one of the fifteen rebuilt with Weymann bus bodies for further service in 1965-67, and still retains its Strachan Everest coach body, but it remained in the fleet until the end of 1968. It was then sold to a building contractor in Warrington for workers transport. Photo by kind permission of Peter Esposito, via Chris Stanley.

Built: 1949

Chassis: Dennis Lancet III J3, Dennis O6 7.585 litre direct-injection 6-cylinder oil engine.

Body: Strachans B32R, some with rear roof luggage panniers.

Notes: All still active in 1956, but all gone by 1961.

  • D707 (GOU 801) c/n 567J3, deliv. 3/49. Renumbered 101 in 1951. Withdrawn 1959.
  • D708 (GOU 802) c/n 565J3, deliv. 3/49. Renumbered 102 in 1951. Withdrawn early 1961. With A. Sperring (contractor), Bristol 1962.
  • D709 (GOU 803) c/n 583J3, deliv. 3/49. No roof luggage pannier. Renumbered 103 in 1951. Withdrawn early 1961.
  • D710 (GOU 804) c/n 589J3, deliv. 3/49. Renumbered 104 in 1951. Withdrawn 1959. With St. Ives Sand and Gravel Co., 1961.
  • D711 (GOU 805) c/n 590J3, deliv. 3/49. Renumbered 105 in 1951. Withdrawn 1959.
  • D712 (GOU 806) c/n 594J3, deliv. 5/49. Renumbered 106 in 1951. Withdrawn around 1960. With Holland, Hannen and Cubitts (contractors) 1961.
  • D713 (GOU 807) c/n 591J3, deliv. 3/49. Renumbered 107 in 1951. Withdrawn 1959.
  • D714 (GOU 808) c/n 613J3, deliv. 6/49. Renumbered 108 in 1951. Withdrawn 1959.
  • D715 (GOU 809) c/n 614J3, deliv. 6/49. Renumbered 109 in 1951. Withdrawn early 1961. Noted at Passenger Vehicle Disposals, Dunchurch 16 Aug 1961. With Sir Lindsay Parkinson (contractor) 1963 as their fleet no. SLP.3673.
  • D716 (GOU 810) c/n 615J3, deliv. 6/49. Renumbered 110 in 1951. Withdrawn 1959.
  • D717 (GOU 811) c/n 616J3, deliv. 6/49. Renumbered 111 in 1951. Withdrawn 1959.
  • D718 (GOU 812) c/n 618J3, deliv. 7/49. Renumbered 112 in 1951. Withdrawn 1959.
  • D719 (GOU 813) c/n 617J3, deliv. 7/49. Renumbered 113 in 1951. Withdrawn early 1961. With Eaves (contractor), Blackpool 1962.
  • D720 (GOU 814) c/n 676J3, deliv. 9/49. Renumbered 114 in 1951. Withdrawn early 1961. Converted to service lorry with entire rear upper body cut away, based Hindhead as no. 38 with trade plates 141 AA, from 1961 to at least 1969.
  • D721 (GOU 815) c/n 677J3, deliv. 9/49. Renumbered 115 in 1951. Rear roof luggage pannier. Withdrawn early 1961, noted at Passenger Vehicle Disposals, Dunchurch April 1961. With Eaves (contractor), Blackpool 1962.
  • D722 (GOU 816) c/n 678J3, deliv. 9/49. Renumbered 116 in 1951. Withdrawn early 1961, sold to Sir Lindsay Parkinson (contractor) 1961 as their fleet No.SLP.3399.
  • D723 (GOU 817) c/n 680J3, deliv. 9/49. Renumbered 117 in 1951. Withdrawn around 1960. With A. Sperring (contractor), Bristol 1961.
  • D724 (GOU 818) c/n 679J3, deliv. 9/49. Renumbered 118 in 1951. Withdrawn 1959.
  • D725 (GOU 819) c/n 681J3, deliv. 10/49. Renumbered 119 in 1951. Withdrawn 1959. With St. Ives Sand and Gravel Co., 1960.
  • D726 (GOU 820) c/n 682J3, deliv. 10/49. Renumbered 120 in 1951. Withdrawn early 1961.
  • D727 (GOU 821) c/n 683J3, deliv. 10/49. Renumbered 121 in 1951. Withdrawn 1959. In use as mobile grocers shop in Guildford 1960.
  • D728 (GOU 822) c/n 685J3, deliv. 10/49. Renumbered 122 in 1951. Withdrawn early 1961. Noted at Passenger Vehicle Disposals, Dunchurch April 1961. Sold May 1963 to Sir Lindsay Parkinson (contractor) as their fleet no. SLP.3411.
  • D729 (GOU 823) c/n 684J3, deliv. 10/49. Renumbered 123 in 1951. Withdrawn early 1961.

DENNIS LANCET J10 BUSES  -  D778, D780-D790 / 173, 175-185 (Total 12)

Lancet No.178 (HOU 904) photographed especially for this website by Chris Wagstaff at Matlock Bus Station on 1 Dec 2007. The only survivor of this batch, it has been beautifully restored, and had brought visitors into Matlock for the annual Christmas victorian weekend.

Lancet No.184 (HOU 910) in the 1960s at Woking Station (Photo origin unknown). Gordon Oram again informs me "The picture of 184 is again definitely at Woking Station. The buses often used to park up the road from the actual 5 or 6 bus stops until it was time for the pick up. This appears to be what 184 is doing. I well remember the wooden fencing and have spent hours of my early teenage years there watching both trains and buses."

Here is the same bus (HOU 910) seen in Marylebone Road passing the London Planetarium and Madame Tussaud's. This would probably have been taken in the very late 1960s when the vehicle had been acquired by the 2nd Godalming Scout Group. Thanks to Bill Hill who took the photo and Richard Nash who forwarded it to me.

Built: 1950

Chassis: Dennis Lancet III J10, Dennis "O6" 7.585 litre direct-injection 6-cylinder oil engine. 30 foot Chassis.

Body: Strachans B38R, 30 feet long x 8 feet wide, with no roof luggage panniers.

Notes: These were the last Lancets to receive A and D 'list numbers', and by 1967 the surviving examples may well have been the last halfcab single-deckers still in service within the BET group. The arrival of these first 30 foot vehicles for A and D coincided with the publicity surrounding the mighty Bristol Brabazon airliner that had just been produced at Bristol (Filton) aerodrome. So, due to their size, they were known as Brabs. HOU 900 was left out of the sequence as this registration was allotted to a sole Dennis Dominant, no. 174. D783 (HOU 904) is the sole survivor.

  • D778 (HOU 899) c/n 104J10, deliv. 10/50. A 1950 Commercial Motor Show exhibit. Renumbered 173 in 1951. Withdrawn 1967.
  • D780 (HOU 901) c/n 112J10, deliv. 11/50. Renumbered 175 in 1951. Withdrawn 1965.
  • D781 (HOU 902) c/n 115J10, deliv. 11/50. Renumbered 176 in 1951. Withdrawn 1965.
  • D782 (HOU 903) c/n 113J10, deliv. 11/50. Renumbered 177 in 1951. Withdrawn 1967.
  • D783 (HOU 904) c/n 118J10, deliv. 11/50. Renumbered 178 in 1951. Withdrawn 1967 and sold for preservation to Brian Oxborough for £150, then to Allan Hallpike in 1972. Later to Dean, Paisley, then to Wales. To Macpherson Coaches, Donisthorpe, Derbyshire 1995, to Phillip & David White, Gaydon 2018. ** SURVIVOR **
  • D784 (HOU 905) c/n 123J10, deliv. 12/50. Renumbered 179 in 1951. Withdrawn 1967.
  • D785 (HOU 906) c/n 124J10, deliv. 12/50. Renumbered 180 in 1951. Withdrawn 1958 and scrapped after serious accident near Horsham while operating route 50a (Horsham - Plaistow).
  • D786 (HOU 907) c/n 127J10, deliv. 12/50. Renumbered 181 in 1951. Withdrawn 1967.
  • D787 (HOU 908) c/n 129J10, deliv. 12/50. Renumbered 182 in 1951. Withdrawn 1965, sold to Miller-Foxton, Cambs., (also reported with Ambery, Geddington as as staff bus in 1965), but apparently with the Assembly of God, Sittingbourne, Kent in 1966.
  • D788 (HOU 909) c/n 121J10, deliv. 12/50. Renumbered 183 in 1951. Withdrawn 1967 and scrapped.
  • D789 (HOU 910) c/n 130J10, deliv. 1/51. Renumbered 184 in 1951. Withdrawn 1967. To 2nd Godalming Scout Group.
  • D790 (HOU 911) c/n 131J10, deliv. 1/51. Renumbered 185 in 1951. Withdrawn 1967.

DENNIS LANCET J10C COACHES  -  188-202 (Total 15)

A photo of Lancet No.193 (LAA 228) kindly sent by Maureen Chaffe, who said that her father-in-law was a driver with Aldershot and District for 30 years.

Lancet No.195 (LAA 230) possibly at Farnham depot. (Photo Roy Marshall via East Pennine transport group)

Built: June/July 1953

Chassis: Dennis Lancet J10C

Body: Strachans full-front FC38R, 30 feet long x 8 feet wide. Some reclassified as dual-purpose FDP38R for use on bus services from 1961.

Notes: A and D's last front-engined Lancets. All withdrawn around 1963.

  • 188 (LAA 223) c/n 165J10C, b/n 51856, deliv.6/53. Withdrawn Sept 1963, sold to Cyril Margo, Addiscombe, Surrey.
  • 189 (LAA 224) c/n 166J10C, b/n 51857, deliv.6/53. Withdrawn Sept 1963, sold to Cyril Margo, Addiscombe, Surrey.
  • 190 (LAA 225) c/n 167J10C, b/n 51858, deliv.6/53. Withdrawn Sept 1963, sold to Cyril Margo, Addiscombe, Surrey.
  • 191 (LAA 226) c/n 168J10C, b/n 51860, deliv.6/53. Withdrawn 1963, and became staff bus for Bovis Holdings Ltd.
  • 192 (LAA 227) c/n 170J10C, b/n 51859, deliv.6/53. Withdrawn 1963, sold to Osmond, Curry Rivel.
  • 193 (LAA 228) c/n 173J10C, b/n 51861, deliv.6/53. Withdrawn Sept 1963.
  • 194 (LAA 229) c/n 175J10C, b/n 51862, deliv.6/53. Became FDP38R for bus duties from 1961. Withdrawn 1963.
  • 195 (LAA 230) c/n 178J10C, b/n 51863, deliv.6/53. Became FDP38R for bus duties from 1961. Withdrawn 1963. With Smith (contractor), Riverhead, Sevenoaks 1966.
  • 196 (LAA 231) c/n 177J10C, b/n 51864, deliv.6/53. Became FDP38R for bus duties from 1961. Withdrawn 1963. Stubbs, Burton on Trent. **SURVIVOR**
  • 197 (LAA 232) c/n 179J10C, b/n 51865, deliv.6/53. Withdrawn 1963.
  • 198 (LAA 233) c/n 180J10C, b/n 51866, deliv.6/53. Withdrawn 1963, sold to Simpsons Coaches, London SE20.
  • 199 (LAA 234) c/n 182J10C, b/n 51867, deliv.6/53. Became FDP38R for bus duties from 1961. Apparently sold to a contractor in Surrey, Sept 1963, but reported with Osmond, Curry Rivel also in 1963, and with S.Davies, Cardiff in 1965.
  • 200 (LAA 235) c/n 181J10C, b/n 51868, deliv.7/53. Became FDP38R for bus duties from 1961. Withdrawn 1963, sold to Hewitt (contractor), Cranleigh.
  • 201 (LAA 236) c/n 183J10C, b/n 51869, deliv.6/53. Withdrawn 1963, sold to Hewitt (contractor), Cranleigh.
  • 202 (LAA 237) c/n 184J10C, b/n 51870, deliv.7/53. Withdrawn 1963. With Smith (contractor), Riverhead, Sevenoaks 1966.

Total 309  ( with 5 survivors - D452, D657, D693, D783, 196 )

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