King George V inspecting Ole Bill - Buckingham Palace
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King George V inspecting Ole Bill - Buckingham Palace
King George V inspecting Ole Bill (driven by James Melton and filled with war veterans) an LCC bus requisitioned by the War Department which saw service throughout the whole of WW1 - Buckingham Palace, 14th February 1920. To mark this special occasion, the bus was decorated and became a mobile war memorial. A brass shell was mounted on the dashboard, ornate brass plates for the numbers were placed on the bonnet sides and a brass bust of Ole Bill, the cartoon figure created by Bruce Bairnsfather, formed the radiator cap Date: 1920
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Media ID 14254896
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Bill Buckingham Courtyard Doffing Doffs Inspecting Salutes Saluting Yard 14th
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures a poignant moment in history as King George V inspects the unique LCC bus, affectionately named "Ole Bill," in the courtyard of Buckingham Palace on 14th February 1920. The bus, requisitioned by the War Department during World War I, had seen active service throughout the conflict and was now adorned with decorations to honor its role in the war effort. The bus, driven by James Melton and filled with war veterans, was transformed into a mobile war memorial. A brass shell was mounted on the dashboard, ornate brass plates for the numbers were placed on the bonnet sides, and a brass bust of Ole Bill, the iconic cartoon figure created by Bruce Bairnsfather, formed the radiator cap. As the King approached, the veterans, many still in uniform, stood at attention, saluting or doffing their hats in respect. The courtyard of Buckingham Palace, usually reserved for grand ceremonies, was filled with a sense of solemnity and gratitude as the King inspected the bus and acknowledged the sacrifices made by the veterans during the Great War. This photograph, taken in the early 1920s, is a poignant reminder of the end of the war and the recognition given to those who served. It is a powerful image that encapsulates the spirit of the time and the profound impact of the war on the nation.
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