East Ham Corporation Tramways
History
East Ham Urban District Council began electric tram operation in 1901, running services for almost 32 years, before the system was absorbed into the newly formed London Passenger Transport Board in 1933.
Uniforms
Unfortunately, photos depicting crews and staff working East Ham Tramways are surprisingly rare, so it is only possible to provide a rather sketchy overview of the uniform story. Motormen and conductors initially wore double-breasted jackets (of dark-blue serge) with four pairs of brass buttons (bearing a stylised monogram of the system initials — see link) and lapels; it is currently unclear whether the collars bore badges of any kind. Caps were of the drooping-peak variety; they bore a large cloth badge embroidered with silver and gold-coloured wire, possibly bullion thread. The badge included a simple representation of the East Ham municipal device, above which was the system title, 'EAST HAM TRAMWAYS' in a ribbon, and below which was the grade, either 'MOTORMAN' or 'CONDUCTOR'.
At some point, possibly in the mid-Edwardian era, the uniform jacket was changed to a double-breasted, lancer design with five pairs of buttons (narrowing from top to bottom), epaulettes and stand-up collars; the left-hand collar bore an employee number, the right-hand collar system initials — 'E H T' — in individual brass letters. The epaulettes also carried a badge, possibly a representation of the East Ham municipal device, though this remains unproven photographically. The uniforms were of blue serge with red piping.
The drooping peak caps gave way to tensioned-crown peaked caps, and the embroidered cloth cap badges to new ones of the same overall design, but in brass; the system title ribbon was inlaid with blue enamel (see below), with the entire ensemble mounted on a dark leather backing. It is currently unclear when this change took place, but more than likely in the mid-Edwardian era.
In the 1920s, the uniforms were changed once again, this time to a more modern single-breasted design with lapels; it is currently unclear what badges they bore.
Tramcar staff also wore greatcoats, which were double-breasted with high, fold-over collars and epaulettes; it is possible, but by no means certain, that the left-hand collar carried insignia of some description, more than likely an employee number.
Motormen and conductors always appeared in service wearing enamel Public Carriage Office licence badges, which were issued by the Metropolitan Police (see link).
Photographs of inspectors are yet to come to light, so it is currently impossible to say what uniforms they wore.
Only a single photograph of an East Ham Tramways Great War conductress has so far come to light; the subject is wearing a double-breasted overcoat with high, fold-over collars, the right-hand side clearly bearing individual system initials, 'E H T'. The only glimpse of the tunic worn underneath are the stand-up collars, both of which bear system initials. The hat in the photo is a dark-coloured waterproof bonnet similar to a s'wester, which was probably only for summer wear; it is unclear whether the hat bore a badge or not.
Further reading
For a history of the system, see: 'The Tramways of East London' by Rodinglea; The Tramway & Light Railway Society and The Light Railway Transport League (1967).
Images
Motormen and conductors
A brand-new Tramcar No 11 undergoing trials in Boleyn Green St in 1901. Photo courtesy of the Tramways and Light Railway Society, with thanks to Eddie Dawes.
An enlargement of the above photograph showing the motorman in his drooping-peak cap, which carried a prominent embroidered cloth cap badge.
East Ham Tramways Motorman cap badge, bullion-embroidered cloth. This pattern of badge was probably worn between 1901 and circa 1905. With thanks to Keith Turner.
East Ham Tramways Conductor cap badge, bullion-embroidered cloth. This pattern of badge was probably worn between 1901 and circa 1905. With thanks to Keith Turner.
An extremely heavily, and badly, touched-up image of Tramcar No 17 at the depot in 1901. Both crew members are wearing drooping-peak caps and double-breasted jackets with lapels. Photo courtesy of the Tramways and Light Railway Society, with thanks to Eddie Dawes.
The crew of Tramcar No 19 (in top-covered condition) pose for the camera outside the Burnell Arms on Plashet Grove — photo undated, but probably taken shortly after the Great War. Photo courtesy of the Tramways and Light Railway Society, with thanks to Eddie Dawes.
An enlargement of the above photograph showing the conductor. By this time, and probably from the mid-Edwardian era, the drooping-peak caps had been displaced in favour of tensioned-crown peaked caps; these bore a new design of cap badge, mimicking the old one, but in brass and blue enamel. The conductor's right-hand jacket collar bears system initials, 'E H T', whilst his left-hand collar carries an employee number (possibly No 5). His epaulettes also carry a badge of some description, probably the East Ham municipal-device badge shown below.
East Ham Tramways Motorman cap badge — brass and blue enamel on a leather mount. This pattern of cap badge was probably worn from the mid-Edwardian era through to 1933. With thanks to Stephen Howarth.
East Ham municipal-device badge — brass. This was probably the pattern of badge worn on the jacket epaulettes from the mid-Edwardian era onwards. Author's Collection.
An unidentified East Ham car at Barking with a No 67 service to Aldgate — photo undated, but probably taken in the late 1920s. Photograph believed to have been taken by G N Southerden, courtesy of the Tramways and Light Railway Society, with thanks to Eddie Dawes
An enlargement of the above photograph showing the motorman; he is wearing a double-breasted greatcoat, along with heavy mitts and goggles (on his cap).
The conductor of Tramcar No 40 turns the trolley pole outside the Northern Outfall Sewer (Royal Albert Docks terminus) in 1927. Photo courtesy of the Tramways and Light Railway Society, with thanks to Eddie Dawes.
A blow-up of the above photo, showing the conductor, by this time in a single-breasted jacket with lapels.
Another shot taken at the Northern Outfall Sewer, this time of Tramcar No 12 around 1930. Photo courtesy of the Tramways and Light Railway Society, with thanks to Eddie Dawes.
The conductor of Tramcar No 24 focuses his attention on some unknown event out of shot to the right — photo undated, but taken around 1930 outside the Town Hall. Photo courtesy of the Tramways and Light Railway Society, with thanks to Eddie Dawes.