Celebrating VE Day: Rare photographs of wartime filmmaking revealed by Historic England

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From the role of Pinewood Studios in military filmmaking to the pioneering women of the WAAF, discover hidden pieces and perspectives of history

Two Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) trainees practising photography whilst wearing gas masks to simulate working under active service conditions, during training at No.2 School of Photography in Blackpool
Two Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) trainees practising photography whilst wearing gas masks to simulate working under active service conditions, during training at No 2 School of Photography in Blackpool (Image credit: Historic England Archive)

To honor the 80th anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe), Historic England is sharing a collection about the history of wartime filmmaking and photography – from rare shots from Pinewood Studios to the pioneering women of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF).

Photography plays a crucial role in documenting historical events, making it an invaluable medium for capturing the past. This collection, which includes over 150 photographs curated by Historic England, serves as an excellent example of this importance.

The collection provides us, 80 years later, with a priceless photographic archive, put together by Dorothy "Knicky" Chapman. Chapman was part of the first group of recruits at the WAAF's No 2 School of Photography in Blackpool before moving to the iconic Pinewood Studios.

Her perspective as a female wartime photographer is truly special, offering us never-before-seen images from WAAF training, including performing photographic work under simulated active service conditions.

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A group of women from the Women's Auxiliary Air Force, in military uniform, posed with their cameras outside the RAF's No. 2 School of Photography
A group of women from the Women's Auxiliary Air Force, in military uniform, posed with their cameras outside the RAF's No 2 School of Photography(Image credit: Historic England Archive)

Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said:

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

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A Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) trainee handling a roll of photographic film whilst wearing an eye mask to simulate working in the dark, during the Trade Test Board examination at the end of the training course at the No.2 School of Photography in Blackpool
A Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) trainee handling a roll of photographic film whilst wearing an eye mask to simulate working in the dark, during the Trade Test Board examination at the end of the training course at the No 2 School of Photography in Blackpool, England(Image credit: Historic England Archive)

Wartime filmmaking

The world-famous Pinewood Studios served as the hub for wartime filmmaking and was the base for government film units. The studio produced films that shaped public perception and garnered international support for the Allied Forces.

One key figure in this effort was Chapman, who helped create military films that offered glimpses into RAF operations. These films were crucial to lifting spirits and keeping morale high during the challenging wartime period.

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Portrait of WAAF Sergeant Knicky Knapman (later Chapman) with Walter Bird's camera, at RAF Iver Heath (Pinewood Studios)
Portrait of WAAF Sergeant Knicky Knapman (later Chapman) with Walter Bird's camera, at RAF Iver Heath (Pinewood Studios)(Image credit: Historic England Archive)

Women in military photography

This collection highlights the significant contributions of WAAF recruiters and their impact on military photography, which was essential to the war effort.

With rapid advancements in military air photography, there was a real need for skilled photographers who could excel in aerial reconnaissance. Their work provided intelligence that played a vital role in the war's progress.

WAAF recruits underwent specialized training in using aerial cameras, processing films in mobile darkrooms, plotting aerial photographs, and even simulating work under active service conditions.

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Portrait of WAAF personnel from the Stills department of the RAF's Film Production Unit, at RAF Iver Heath (Pinewood Studios), the photograph shows: (left to right) Leading Aircraftwoman Molly Plowman, Captain Lillian Lewis, Sergeant Knicky Chapman and Leading Aircraftwoman Freda Pocock
(Image credit: Historic England Archive)

Send your story

Little is known about the lives of the women of the RAF Film Production Unit following the end of the war. While Chapman continued her passion for photography, the demobilization of the WAAF marked the end of these women's lives in film.

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

Send your stories to communications@historicengland.org.uk before Sunday 25 May. The stories will be shared on the Historic England website.

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Members of the RAF Film Production Unit taking part in a dramatic production of 'George and Margaret', at RAF Iver Heath, Pinewood Studios
Members of the RAF Film Production Unit taking part in a dramatic production of 'George and Margaret', at RAF Iver Heath, Pinewood Studios(Image credit: Historic England Archive)

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Kim Bunermann
Kim Bunermann
Staff Writer

Kim is the Staff Writer on Digital Camera World, and formerly Technique Editor at Digital Photographer, focusing on the art and science of photography. With a Master’s degree in Photography and Media, she is driven to educate through an analytical approach, visually and technically. With her guides and tutorials, Kim seeks to uncover new facets of this time-honoured medium and foster a deeper understanding of its profound role in culture. Kim highlights topics that resonate with modern society, including women in photography and critical issues such as environmental conservation. She also discusses and reviews camera gear, giving you an overview to find the best fit for your photography journey. 

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