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In 1965 the first of a number of buses which started life with Red and White Motor Services was purchased. This was a 1942 Guy Arab I 5LW numbered 77 (EWO 467). It was unusual for Provincial in having a BBW lowbridge body, the first in the Provincial fleet. Although it was new to Red and White, it was actually acquired from Howells and Withers Pontllanfraith.

There were to follow, a number of other vehicles with a Red and White ancestry over the next few years.

1966 - The next buses to arrive followed in 1966. They were two more Guy Arabs, this time Mark II 5LW's of 1943 (31/78 EDG 975/976) They started life with Cheltenham and District Traction (No's 47/48) but were acquired by Red and White in 1946. They were re-bodied by BBW (L27/28R) in 1952. Number 78 was actually acquired in 1965 but did not enter service until 1966. Provincial fitted a replacement 6LW engine to 31, and also fitted platform doors in February 1967.

1967 - The final Ex Red and White Arab's arrived this year. They were Arab III 6LW this time with Duple L27/26R bodies. Numbered 9 (HWO 344) and 12/13 (HWO 334-335). 9 and 12 were re-numbered 23/24 in December 1970, 9 became a driver training bus and was painted in all over yellow before withdrawal.

The main use of these vehicles was as contract buses, on the Fawley run during reconstruction work by Foster -Wheeler. They did however appear in normal service occasionally and were not appreciated by the passengers who were used to highbridge buses. Two of these Arabs are now preserved (12 and 77).

1969 - In this year further Red and White vehicles were purchased, but this time it was something different, three Bristol LS6G's 28-29 (MAX 131-132) & 31 (MAX 134). These had ECW C39F coach bodies, and dated from 1954. They were numbered DS154, DS254, and DS454 by Red and White. These coaches were also used mainly on contract work.

No. 9 (HWO 344) at Hoeford. Note the simpler type of script on the side fleet name which was in use at the time. This is the bus that was painted all over yellow for use as a driver trainer in its latter years.

No. 12 (HWO 334) heading towards Fareham on a schools contract.   Photo: Alistair Douglas

31 (EDG 975) at Hoeford after completing its trip to Fawley.  Photo: C Warren

No 77 (EWO 467) The first Ex Red and White bus purchased. It is seen here at Hoeford garage looking very smart, note the platform doors, a luxury not usually afforded to Provincial passengers.   Photo: Mike Fenton

An unusual rear view of no.77 taken at the Southsea Spectacular held at Southsea Castle in 1975   Photo: Chris Hebbron

No 78 (EDG 976) seen on it's Foster Wheeler contract duties. This was one of the Ex Cheltenham and District vehicles

No 28 (MAX 131) an ECW coach bodied Bristol LS6G seen at Hoeford between duties

Bristol LS 29 (MAX 132) in West Street, Fareham, working the Fawley contract on April 16th 1969.  Photo: Fred York

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