Gravesend and Northfleet Electric Tramways

History
The Gravesend and Northfleet Electric Tramways began electric services in 1902, but operated them for only 26 years before the system closed for good in 1929. The G&NET was a subsidiary of the much larger British Electric Traction Company Ltd (BETCo), a concern which at its zenith either owned, part-owned or leased around 50 tramway concerns across the British Isles.

Uniforms
The photos below show Gravesend staff wearing the familiar and largely regulation BETCo uniform. Although jackets appeared to vary somewhat between BETCo systems, as well as across the decades, the cap badges, collar designations and buttons invariably followed a standard pattern.

The uniform jackets initially issued to Gravesend staff were double-breasted, with four pairs of buttons (of the standard BETCo pattern — see link) and lapels, conferring a vaguely naval appearance on the wearer; the upper lapels (collars) carried embroidered system initials on both sides (’G & N. E. T’). Caps were military in style with a soft top and glossy peak, and carried a standard brass BETCo ‘Magnet & Wheel’ cap badge (see below), worn above an employee number (in individual brass numerals). The naval-style jackets seem only to have lasted a short time before being superseded.

Motormen were subsequently issued with double-breasted, 'lancer-style' tunics with five pairs of buttons (narrowing from top to bottom) and upright collars; the latter carried individual initials on the right-hand side, probably either ’G & N E T’ or ‘G & N T’ and an employee number on the left, all presumably brass to match the buttons. Although photographs exist which show conductors wearing the same style of tunics as those issued to motormen, others clearly show them in single-breasted jackets with five buttons, a single breast pocket, and upright collars, suggesting that styles changed over time.

Tramcar crews were also issued with double-breasted greatcoats with three waist/hip-level pockets, lapels and epaulettes; these garments do not appear to have borne any insignia.

Inspectors wore single-breasted jackets with hidden buttons (or more likely a hook and eye affair) and upright collars, the latter almost certainly bearing the grade — Inspector — in embroidered script lettering. The standard ‘Magnet & Wheel’ cap badge was worn on the cap, but with an embroidered script-lettering Inspector badge in place of the usual employee number.

In common with the majority of UK tramway systems, Gravesend employed women during the Great War — both as conductresses and motorwomen — to replace male staff lost to the armed forces. Unfortunately, photographs appear not to have survived, so it is currently impossible to say what uniforms, if any, were issued to these ladies.

Further reading
For a history of Gravesend's Tramways, see: 'The Tramways of Kent - Volume 1, West Kent' by Invicta; The Light Railway Transport League (1971).

Images

Motormen and conductors
Gravesend and Northfleet Electric Tramways Employee No 30
An excellent studio portrait of a Gravesend and Northfleet Electric Tramways employee (No 30) — photo undated, but probably taken around the time of opening (1902). Photo by kind permission of Linda Reed.


Gravesend and Northfleet Electric Tramways Employee No 30
A blow-up of the above photo showing the collar insignia — embroidered 'G & N. E. T' block initials — and the standard British Electric Traction Company 'Magnet & Wheel' cap badge. Wearing the employee numbers either side of the cap badge was certainly not standard BETCo practice (they were normally worn below the main badge), an affectation that clearly would not have worked for the first nine employees! This photo therefore probably reflects the personal preference of the individual depicted.


Gravesend and Northfleet Electric Tramways cap badge
Standard British Electric Traction Company ‘Magnet & Wheel’ cap badge — brass, as worn by Gravesend tramway crews. Author's Collection.


Gravesend and Northfleet Electric Tramways staff photo 1903
A scene taken in the depot yard at Dover Road with one of the original 1-10 series cars (disposed of in 1906) — photo believed to have been taken in 1903, possibly on the occasion of Gravesend Carnival. Photo courtesy of the National Tramway Museum.


Gravesend and Northfleet Electric Tramways driver and conductor photo 1903
A blow-up of the above photo, which though of poor quality, does show that the tramcar staff wore double-breasted jackets with soft-topped, military-style caps.


Gravesend and Northfleet Electric Tramways Tram No 1 and crew
A view of Gravesend’s famous ’shrimp’ car (Tramcar No 1) — photo undated, but probably taken just before the advent of the Great War. The tramcar advertised Russell’s ‘Shrimp Brand’ Brewery, being extensively adorned with promotional material (inside and out), including a large shrimp on the dash! The view shows an inspector (second left), conductor (third left) and motorman (fourth left). With thanks to Richard Rosa.


Gravesend and Northfleet Electric Tramways Tram No 1 and crew
A blow up of the above photo showing details of the crew's uniforms. Both men are wearing the standard British Electric Traction Company 'Magnet & Wheel' cap badge with their employee numbers mounted below. The collar badges appear to be a mixture of 'G&NT' and 'G&NET’.


Gravesend and Northfleet Electric Tramways Tram No 16 and crew
A motorman and conductor pose with Tramcar No 16 — photo undated, but certainly taken before 1924/5 when this car was fitted with a top cover. With thanks to Richard Rosa.


Gravesend and Northfleet Electric Trawmays conductor
A blow up of the above photo showing the conductor, who appears to be wearing a regimental cap badge (common practice during and after the Great War) flanked by the digits of his employee number (possibly 44).


Gravesend and Northfleet Electric Tramways No 2
A G&NET motorman poses with decorated Tramcar No 2 on the occasion of Gravesend Carnival in 1927. Photo courtesy of the Tramways and Light Railway Society, with thanks to David Voice.


Gravesend and Northfleet Electric Tramways motorman
A blow-up of the above photo showing the motorman, in his double-breasted greatcoat.


Gravesend and Northfleet Electric Tramways No 8 1928
G&NET No 8 and motorman captured on October 1928. Photo courtesy of the National Tramway Museum.


Gravesend and Northfleet Electric Tramways tram driver motorman
A blow-up of the above photo showing the motorman, who is possibly Employee No 40.


Senior staff
Gravesend and Northfleet Electric Tramways inspector
A blow-up of the 'Shrimp Car' photograph above, showing the inspector. He is wearing a 'Magnet & Wheel' cap badge above an embroidered, script-lettering grade badge — Inspector.