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
Wax lyrical SHINE BRIGHT
We're not blowing smoke! These easy projects will light up your rooms in a jiffy
Mum's hero team GIVING GIGI A FLYING CHANCE
Twice her daughter has needed life-saving treatment
Call the midwife AROHA'S SPECIAL DELIVERIES
The maternity carer wants more pregnant mums to have the traditional Māori birth experienc
Winning his Queen back FRED & MARY'S TOUR OF LOVE
There's a lot riding on the royal couple's anniversary cruise
The winner TAKES IT ALL!
Five decades on from Abba's Arrival, we're still saying Thank You For the Music
The show must go on! TAYLA'S LIVING HER DREAM
From opera to operations, the young Kiwi performer is unstoppable
From Russia with love 'ADVENTURE'S IN MY BLOOD'
Victoria's glad she took the leap of faith, even though it was a desperate act
Marata's supporting role 'NIKKI'S THE REAL WARRIOR'
The league star pays tribute to his soulmate who lives with a painful condition
Stronger than ever WILLS & KATE'S ENDURING LOVE
Through all life's challenges, the royal soulmates are there for each other
Four kids and a party JESSE'S BRINGING THE FUN!
The TV host is dancing to his own beat when it comes to fatherhood and fame