Devon General Company Overview and History

Devon General was a British bus operator that operated from 1929 to 1989. The company was founded in 1929.

It started out as a small bus company in Devon, England, and over the years, it expanded its services to cover various routes in the region. Devon General was known for its iconic red buses that became a familiar sight in Devon.

The company played a significant role in providing public transportation services to the people of Devon, especially during the post-war period when public transportation was essential for daily commutes.

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Devon General was a significant player in the bus industry, with its operations dating back to the early 20th century. The company was formed through the amalgamation of numerous rival operators, with the first acquisition being Torquay Tramways in 1922.

The company's fleet expanded rapidly, with over 200 vehicles in service by the mid-1980s. This growth was fueled by the introduction of high-frequency services using minibuses, which were first introduced in Exeter in 1984.

Devon General's operations were not limited to a single region, with the company operating in various parts of Devon and surrounding areas. The company's holdings included Bayline, which was established in 1992 for operations in Torbay and Newton Abbot.

Here is a list of some of the key acquisitions made by Devon General:

Devon General quickly expanded its operations by purchasing and amalgamating several rival bus companies. This expansion began as early as 1922 with the acquisition of Torquay Tramways, which brought 36 vehicles into the fleet.

The company continued to grow through the 1920s and 1930s, acquiring companies such as Croscols Limited, Fleet Cars, and Grey Cars. By 1933, Grey Cars had added 42 vehicles to the Devon General fleet.

Here's a list of some of the companies Devon General acquired over the years:

In the 1940s and 1950s, Devon General continued to expand, acquiring companies such as Witheridge Transport and Balls Bus Service. By the 1960s, the company had a significant presence in Devon and Torbay.

The offices and depots of Devon General Omnibus and Touring Company were a key part of its operations. The company's early offices were located in a house on Kilmore Road, Forest Hill, London, due to the London background of its directors.

The first buses were housed at the Exeter Garage Company's premises in Paris Street, Exeter. This was a significant location for the company's operations.

In 1921, the offices were moved to a new garage being constructed at Blackboy Road in Exeter. However, the takeover by the NECC the following year saw the office moved back to Queen Street in the city of London.

The merger of NECC with BET in 1932 led to the closure of the Queen Street office in favour of BET's headquarters in Kingsway, London. This was a significant change for the company.

A new large garage and central workshops were constructed at Newton Road in Torquay around this time. This was a major investment for the company.

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The BET headquarters were moved across London to Piccadilly in 1952. However, in 1956 the registered offices of Devon General were moved to the garage at 87 Newton Road, Torquay.

Here's a list of some of the key locations where buses were based:

Buses were also kept at a number of other towns and villages, including Axminster, Budleigh Salterton, Crockernwell, Cullompton, East Budleigh, Kenton, Okehampton, Ottery St Mary, Tiverton Junction, and Uffculme.

Devon General operated a wide range of services and routes across the county, including the Motor Buses of Devon between Tavy and Tamar.

The PSV C licence, which allowed the company to operate motor buses, was a key part of their operations.

One notable route was the Motor Buses of Devon between Tavy and Tamar, which was likely a key service for locals and visitors alike.

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The Devon General Photo Archive is a treasure trove of historical images. It's a vast collection of photographs that showcase the company's history and operations.

You can find photos of various Devon General vehicles, including buses and coaches, which are often accompanied by detailed information about the models and their specifications. The archive also includes images of the company's staff and facilities.

Some of the most interesting photos in the archive are those taken by local photographers, such as Ken Baker and Kelvin Amos, who have captured the essence of Devon General's operations over the years. Their photographs provide a unique perspective on the company's history and are a valuable resource for anyone interested in transportation history.

One notable aspect of the photo archive is the variety of photographers who have contributed to it. You can find photos taken by individuals such as Dave Godley, Steve Vallance, and Terry Stapley, each with their own distinct style and perspective.

Here's a list of some of the photographers who have contributed to the Devon General Photo Archive:

The photo archive is a valuable resource for anyone interested in Devon General's history, and it's a great way to learn more about the company's operations and culture.