Photo collection showcasing wartime filmmaking at Pinewood Studios published for VE Day 80th anniversary

A collection of photographs showcasing the behind-the-scenes story of wartime filmmaking and the pioneering role of women in military photography in World War Two has been published to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

The collection from Historic England’s Archive’s was collated by Dorothy ‘Knicky’ (pronounced Nicky) Chapman.

Ms Chapman was part of the first intake of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) at the former No. 2 School of Photography in Blackpool.

She was part of the first intake of 26 women to be trained at the school in 1941.

Ms Chapman was then posted to Pinewood Studios – the central hub of military filmmaking.

The collection features more than 150 photographs capturing the perspective of a female wartime photographer.

It features behind-the-scenes shots from Chapman’s time at Pinewood Studios, as well as previously unseen photographs of her WAAF training.

During World War Two, Pinewood Studios was the base for Government film units, including the RAF Film Production Unit (RAFFPU) and the Army Film and Photographic Unit (AFPU) and was known as RAF Iver Heath.

The collection of photographs includes striking behind-the-scenes shots of the studio during the years of the war.

This includes images of RAF and WAAF officers at work and the building of model aeroplanes for film productions.

Film and photography units for the RAF ‘formed an integral part of the war effort’, creating films that shaped public perception and boosting international support for the Allied Forces.

Time-critical newsreels and coverage of key events in the war were provided, including of the D-Day landings.

While posted to the RAFFPU at Pinewood Studios Knicky Chapman assisted in the production of military films such as Operational Height and The Big Pack.

These films gave a rare insight into the RAF’s operations and were ‘crucial for maintaining public morale during wartime’.

Ms Chapman was one of a select few to work in the stills department.

The collection features stills from a number of the RAF’s productions and film sets.

Ms Chapman also worked alongside notable talents, including a young Richard Attenborough.

The collection also showcases the contributions of the WAAF to photography and reconnaissance during World War Two.

The WAAF was founded in 1939 to take on non-combat roles in the RAF with women.

Ms Chapman volunteered to join the WAAF before conscription was introduced.

The collection also highlights the training programme at the school where WAAF recruits were taught all aspects of photography, particularly the use of air cameras.

The photographs showcase women learning how to process films in mobile darkrooms, plotting aerial images and simulating work under active service conditions.

The social side of wartime life, including the lasting friendships and camaraderie formed by the women is also captured in the collection.

The images show Ms Chapman and her WAAF colleagues playing sports, taking part in dramatic productions and attending social gatherings at Pinewood Studios with RAF officers.

Little is known about the lives of the women from the RAF Film Production Unit after the end of the war.

Ms Chapman did continue her passion for photography after the war.

Historic England is asking people to share the stories of women who served in the RAFFPU and how their time in the WAAF has shaped their lives.

Anyone with stories to share is asked to send them to communications@historicengland.org.uk before Sunday, May 25.

The stories will be shared onto the Historic England website.

Duncan Wilson, chief executive at Historic England, said: “This remarkable collection commemorates the unsung heroes of the Second World War and sheds light on the history of wartime filmmaking.

“The photographs provide rare insight into a lesser-known aspect of our wartime heritage, from the crucial role of Pinewood Studios as the centre of military filmmaking to the pioneering women of the WAAF.

“By sharing this collection, we hope to honour the contributions of these women photographers and filmmakers to the war effort, preserving their stories as an important part of our national heritage.”

David Conway, chief executive officer at Pinewood Group, said: “On the 80th anniversary of VE Day we remember the pivotal role both Pinewood and our other UK studio, Shepperton Studios, played in the Second World War.

“We are honoured to be included in these rare photographs from Historic England’s Archive.

“Knicky Chapman’s collection provides a fascinating glimpse into the legacy of Pinewood Studios and brings the pioneering role of women to the forefront.

“We continue to host an annual Service of Remembrance at Pinewood, giving special recognition to the wartime film and photographic units who trained and worked here, and will never forget this important part of British film history.”