It was the Lastolite* that did it!  How many other uses are there for blue circular nylon bags of a certain thickness?  But then there was the tripod.  No ordinary tripod, but one designed to stand the rugged necessities of a film camera.  My curiosity was roused.  Amidst the visitors, uniforms and dress of a bygone age sat two elegant and demure young ladies whose demeanour begged to be recorded.  Seeking permission to photograph Hayley and Gemma I learned that they were actresses in a documentary film being directed and produced by Mike Ford and filmed by Adam Ford for the History Channel.

The wartime ‘40s was an era that produced so many unsung heroes whose exploits, intelligence and resourcefulness has remained in the shadows for decades.  Being trained as a spy was not just a male orientated occupation; young women were trained as well, sent to France and operated under the noses of the Germans. 

The history of one such woman was being documented by Mike Ford, as the story of an intelligence agent, equivalent to the well known “Miss Moneypenny” of Ian Flemming’s invention unfolded.

Incorporating the stunning location of Buckfastleigh Station dressed in its best for the 1940s weekend; many well dressed extras were invited to take part, providing an excellent foil for Hayley and Gemma.  Additionally the kindness and willingness of South Devon Railway staff enabled Mike and Adam Ford to obtain extra and rare footage in coach no. 9005 which formed the Officer’s Special running to Staverton only.  This coach was built 1937 as a Special Saloon for Charter Traffic or Inspection Train Use and has been restored magnificently.  The inclement weather added an extra atmosphere to the journey with rain splattered windows and some beautiful lighting conditions in the carriage.  On its return to Buckfastleigh the Officer’s Special, propelled by pannier tank 5786, ran into the loop platform so that girls, film crew and equipment could alight in relative comfort unlike the rather interesting embarkation from Yard 4 when the services of a ladder were amusingly necessary!

And what happened to this 1940s Miss Moneypenny?  We shall have to wait and see.  We hope that Mike Ford will let us know when it is to be screened and when we have that information we will pass it on to you.  As you watch it though, spare a thought for the work of the South Devon Railway which made that section of the documentary possible.

*Lastolite – a photographic reflector available in various sizes, but when folded in a special way fits into an extremely small blue nylon bag.