For most of her life, Pippa Latour harboured an astonishing secret. She told no one – not even her husband or four children when they became adults – of her incredible feats, working behind enemy lines in France during World War II and being the last surviving female Special Operations Executive (SOE) agent from that war.
It was a part of her life that she intentionally never revealed, until TV personality and historical “storyteller” Jude Dobson struck up a friendship with the straight-talking centenarian. With trust established, Pippa chose Jude to write her memoir.
Week after week, the pair would spend a couple of hours at Pippa’s West Auckland home, nibbling on cheese scones and going over Pippa’s needle-sharp recollections.
Tells Jude, “Initially, I said, ‘When would it suit you for me to come and do these chats?’ And she replied, ‘Well, I’m quite busy during the week, so probably just the weekends.’ So I slotted in between when she fed her doves at 11am and 6pm every day.
“She’d always set me homework too,” laughs Jude. “I’d go away and my head would be spinning, thinking, ‘How on earth will I find that out?’ But I always did.
“Some tasks that she set for me were, however, impossible, like getting ‘poppycock’ about her removed from the internet.”
Then there were their impromptu photos sessions.
This story is from the April 30, 2024 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 30, 2024 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
No-sew TASSEL CUSHION
Refresh your living space with this nifty number - no expertise required!
Ashia Singer's zingers! 'COOKING MAKES EVERYTHING BETTER'
The talented mum has the recipe for life’s ups and downs – and they’re all delicious
June to-do list FILL UP ON FRUIT
There’s still plenty to do outside – sett le in your citrus and plant up the pots!
Matt's healing journey 'I'M MY OWN CHEERLEADER NOW'
The radio star fought his way out of sadness and is now sharing his secrets
SLOW & steady
Let time be the secret ingredient with these melt-in-your-mouth meals
Rhino queen Jamie MARGOT MADE ME A WILD OFFER!
Hollywood has its sights set on the anti-poacher
FINAL FLING
Signs show the marriage is over
Royal rebels 'WE'RE DOING THINGS OUR WAY'
Zara and Mike are calling all the shots as they contemplate staying in the real world or helping out the House of Windsor
Dame Hinewehi Mohi 'I SEE MIRACLES EVERY DAY'
The singer looks back at her proudest moments and the girl who inspires it all
Wax lyrical SHINE BRIGHT
We're not blowing smoke! These easy projects will light up your rooms in a jiffy