Prototype London Transport Routemaster Bus RM1 first went into service on 8th February 1956 on the No. 2 route from Golders Green to Crystal Palace
This was a distance of some 15 miles.
On or just after this date I travelled on it for the round trip.

Many years later, when I was in the Fire Service, I organized the loan of a Routemaster from St Albans bus garage for drill purposes.
We simulated the rescue of injured people from the top deck.
This gave me an ideal opportunity to have a drive of a London bus - something I enjoyed very much.

Today Adrienne and I were up in London to visit The Design Museum and to go to the theatre.
As it was the last day of proper service for the Routemaster we waited to see it pass through Trafalgar Square.
This was only 12 weeks short of 50 years since I first rode on RM1.

RM5, which had been the first production Routemaster, came along draped in a union flag.
It had entered into service on 11th November 1959 - some 46 years earlier.
This was the end of an era.