Route 719 was unusual in a number of ways: firstly, it was not part of the original, post-war Green Line network. The number instead lay vacant until 1956 when a new daily service was introduced using RF coaches between Hemel Hempstead and Victoria via Leverstock Green, Bedmond, Garston, Watford, Bushey, Stanmore, Kingsbury, Neasden, Willesden, Kilburn, Marble Arch and Hyde Park Corner, which was also unusual in that the route did not cross central London. Converted to double-deck operation with RMC Routemaster coaches in 1962 and back to RFs in 1967, the route finally became a cross-town service in 1968 with a southern extension to Wrotham via Millbank, Elephant & Castle, Old Kent Road, New Cross, Lewisham, Eltham, New Eltham, Sidcup, Swanley, Farningham and West Kingsdown to replace the withdrawn 717. As most of the coach network died away in the 1970s, the 719 saw a brief diversion to East Grinstead to replace the 708 before breathing its last. |