Inside Winston Churchill's wartime carriage restored after 50 years
A historic railway carriage which once housed Sir Winston Churchill and General Dwight D Eisenhower has been restored after more than 50 years.
Pullman Car No 246 'Lydia', originally built in 1924 by the Midland Railway Carriage & Wagon Company, served as a mobile strategic hub during the crucial planning stages of D-Day.
Its plush interiors, a hallmark of the Pullman Company's commitment to luxury, provided the backdrop for discussions that shaped the course of World War II. Years later, it was used for Churchill's state funeral in 1965.
The team at South Devon Railway has meticulously returned 'Lydia' to its original grandeur, reviving a symbol of a bygone era of rail travel.
"Built for the prestigious Pullman Company, known globally for iconic trains such as the Orient Express, the carriage is a rare and tangible link to Britain's wartime past and a symbol of enduring craftsmanship," explained a South Devon Railway spokesman.
Starting this summer, passengers can experience a touch of history firsthand. 'Lydia' will operate on the scenic South Devon Railway line between Buckfastleigh and Totnes, offering a journey through the picturesque countryside interwoven with the echoes of wartime strategy and the legacy of a nation's leader.
'With its Art Deco elegance and deep political and cultural resonance, the Pullman offers guests a journey into the heart of British history,' the spokesman said.
'The return of 'Lydia' to active service represents more than the restoration of a rail carriage, it is the revival of a legacy that shaped the course of the 20th century.
'The South Devon Railway's recommissioning of 'Lydia' ensures that this unique piece of global history is not only preserved but reanimated for a new generation.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Samantha Armytage commits dangerous act in London as she goes bike riding in the city
Samantha Armytage is currently enjoying a relaxing holiday in London after filming The Golden Bachelor. But the Channel Nine host, 45, committed a dangerous act as she explored the city on Tuesday. Samantha shared a video to Instagram as she rode a bike through a park but she wasn't wearing a helmet. The TV star also revealed how she almost fell off the bike, captioning the post: 'Both hands on the wheel! Nearly fell off.' In the video, Samantha laughed as she turned the camera to reveal her scenic surroundings while on the bike. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The trip comes after Samantha was recently busy filming The Golden Bachelor. Cameras have officially started rolling on the Channel Nine dating show for older, single romantics looking for a second shot at love. Daily Mail Australia exclusively revealed Barry 'Bear' Myrden, a 50-something infrastructure engineer and passionate sailor from Sydney, has been handpicked as the leading man for the upcoming Australian adaptation. In exclusive pictures, Barry was seen filming the show in Sydney in March, and his cast of leading ladies have since been spotted arriving at the Sydney mansion where filming will take place. Barry, a father-of-three and a respected professional in the tech industry, currently works in Data Centre Management for Woolworths Group. With decades of experience in his field, he has held senior roles at major companies like Macquarie Bank and the NSW Port Authority. But while his career has flourished, sources close to Daily Mail Australia revealed his personal journey has been marked by tragedy as Barry is is widowed. 'Bear is always complaining that his boys are saying that he is bringing around the wrong kind of girls that are just too young and hot for him,' one friend revealed. 'We were always saying that he needs to be put on a show like MAFS, so seeing him up for the Bachelor role is no surprise.' Despite his corporate background, Barry is far from your typical office-bound executive. A passionate sailor, he has competed in high-profile races like the Sydney to Hobart. In one photo captured during one of his recent sailing ventures, Barry looked handsome and rugged as he manned a yacht. Unlike The Bachelor and The Bachelorette which feature young men and women, the Golden Bachelor is targeted at a more mature audience eager to watch how those who have already experienced great love and loss are chasing companionship in their next chapter. 'Bear is not your usual reality TV type,' an insider told Daily Mail Australia. 'He's charming, intelligent and has really lived a full life. He's been through love, loss and now he's ready to open his heart again. Women are going to adore him.' Local fans of the The Golden Bachelor have been calling for an Australian version since the US version premiered last year to critical acclaim. Producers are keeping tight-lipped about the contestants vying for Barry's heart, but if the US series is anything to go by the show promises to deliver a mix of heartwarming moments, deep connections and unexpected twists.
Daily Mail
7 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Planning a getaway? Men's must-have holiday clothes and accessories with prices starting below £10 (with an extra 10% off)
Summer is finally (touch wood) upon us, leaving many of us dreaming about our next getaway. Though if your wardrobe isn't looking nearly as ready as you feel, we've got good news, as BoohooMAN is offering an additional 10 per cent discount across a huge range of styles with code MAN10. We know you won't want to spend loads of money on a brand new wardrobe just before your holiday, and luckily, BoohooMAN has made it easier than ever to refresh your look for less. You'll find everything you need to look and feel your best this summer, from airport outfits, to poolside looks and even the perfect accessories to bring everything together. With unbeatable low prices across a huge range of on-trend styles, now's the time to give your wardrobe the treatment it deserves. And in even better news, BoohooMAN recently launched a curated selection of branded accessories to compliment your outfit, from jewellery, to sunglasses and bags. Ready to get your suitcase packed? Browse our top picks from BoohooMAN below, and make sure to use code MAN10 for an additional 10 per cent off your haul. Happy shopping! BoohooMAN Boxy Orange Graphic T-Shirt Graphic t-shirts are currently trending (again), and we're currently obsessing over this boxy version that practically screams summer holiday. Pairing well with either your favoruite pair of jeans for something a little more dressy, or a pair of shorts for lounging on the beach, this wearable piece will soon become a favourite in your summer wardrobe. £10.08 (save £5.92) Shop BoohooMAN Oversized Short Sleeve Pleated Shirt and Short Take the hassle out of evening dressing while on holiday with this endlessly sophisticated set, ideal for dining out or midnight walks on the beach. Made from a breezy plisse fabric that's perfect for balmy temperatures, the shirt and short sets makes for a dressy look with minimal effort, while the individual pieces of the set can also be paired with other options in your wardrove for a never-ending rotation of looks - which is perfect when your low on suitcase space. £28.35 (save £16.65) Shop BoohooMAN Relaxed Mid Length Raw Hem Washed Loopback Shorts No holiday wardrobe is complete without a good pair of shorts, and we're loving this laidback pair. Combining practicality and style, the jersey material is endlessly comfortable, while the loose fit and raw hem add an extra element of style. Perfect paired with a simple white t-shirt, this is the ultimate pair of holiday shorts. £9.45 (save £5.55) Shop Cernucci Mens Micro Cuban Bracelet 3mm White Any fashion lover knows you're never fully dressed without the perfect piece of jewelery, and this bracelet from Cernucci will take your holiday outfits to the next level. Crafted from stainless steel, and available in both seven and eight inch sizes, the bracelet looks great worn alone, or stacked outside other pieces within your jewelery collection. £20.78 (save £6.60) Shop Ray-Ban Square Gunmetal Dark Grey Gradient Sunglasses Now's your chance to bag yourself some Ray-Bans with an additional 10 per cent discount - run, don't walk! Perfect for your upcoming holiday and the warmer months, these iconic glasses feature a unique, hexagonal shaped frame and flat crystal lenses for a modern, cool look that's certain to snag you loads of compliments. £99 (save £57) Shop Tokyo Laundry Multi Compartment Backpack Ideal as hand luggage or for day trips while abroad, this simple, practical backpack has ample space for all of your essentials, including two separate compartments and adjustable padded straps for comfort. Made from high-quality, durable material, the bag has been specially designed to withstand daily wear and tear - making it the perfect bag for your upcoming adventures. £18.90 (save £11.10) Shop BoohooMAN Fisherman Style Bucket Hat in Black Sun care is essential, and this fisherman-style hat will help keep you covered and protected all day long. Ideal for both holidays and festivals, the hat comes with an elasticated strap that can be tailored if needed, and the on-trend design will pair well with all of your casual outfits. £9.45 (save £5.55) Shop BoohooMAN Original Man Branded Sliders Pop these sliders in your bag when heading to the pool or beach for optimum comfort. Ideal with pairing with your best shorts or swimming trunks, these sliders are our definition of a summer essential. £11.34 (save £6.66) Shop
Daily Mail
7 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Derry Girls star 'becomes latest to sign up for Celebrity Race Across the World' after Strictly couple Molly Rainford and Tyler West
A sitcom star has reportedly become the latest star to sign up for the next series of Celebrity Race Across the World. Derry Girls star Dylan Llewellyn has joined the line-up taking on the travel challenge on the popular BBC series, according to The Sun. The actor, 32, began his career with roles in some of the UK's biggest soaps, including The Bill, Hollyoaks and Holby City. However, it was playing only boy and Englishman James Maguire, on beloved comedy Derry Girls that saw him shoot to fame. Dylan then took on the lead role in comedian Jack Rooke's semi-autobiographical Channel 4 series Big Boys for three seasons, playing a closeted uni fresher grieving the loss of his father. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Speaking about the show to Attitude: 'Everything about it was beautiful to me. I really wanted the part and to tell Jack's story as best I could. I'm really proud to be in it.' He also starred in 2022 miniseries Pistol, playing Wally Nightingale, who formed a band with schoolmates Paul Cook and Steve Jones in 1972, but was replaced by Johnny Rotten when they transformed into the Sex Pistols. And since February 2023, Dylan has starred as PC Kelby Hartford in Beyond Paradise, a spin-off of the hit show Death In Paradise. He will allegedly be taking a break from studio sets to race across continents in the gruelling Race Across the World special, with a teammate and no mobile phones. Representatives for the show declined to comment when approached by MailOnline. The last series of the celebrity version of the series saw Kelly Brook, Scott Mills, Jeff Brazier and Kola Bokinni face off against each other as they dashed across South America. Dylan's casting for the new series could see him joined by Molly Rainford and Tyler West, who were reported to have also signed up last week. The EastEnders actress, 24, and the broadcaster, 29, who met during BBC 's Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, are said to be taking on the travel challenge together. A source told The Sun: 'Molly and Tyler are a huge coup for the show. 'They're popular with millions of viewers from their stints on Strictly, and Molly will bring in loads of EastEnders fans too. 'They are a very adventurous pair and have brilliant chemistry, so bosses are confident they will become huge fan favourites.' Last year, Molly and Tyler moved into their first home together and began sharing their home improvements journey with their followers. Alongside a clip of the couple inside their new home and in the 'Strictly' ballroom doing a clapping routine, Molly wrote on Instagram: 'Well guys, it was only right that we let you into our little home, the next part of our journey starts now @homewithmolty.' At the end of the clip, Tyler quipped: 'We've got a lot of cleaning up to do babe.' After previously denying speculation they were dating, the pair posted a TikTok with Tyler seen placing his hand on Molly's leg as they recited lines from 'Friends'. The audio they used was of Rachel Green and Joey Tribbiani telling each other they knew Monica Geller and Chandler Bing were dating in secret. The clip was captioned: 'Did you know? @MollyRainford,' with Tyler adding a red love heart and a crying with laughter emoji. Molly has played Anna Knight on EastEnders since 2023, after starting her career on the CBBC, presenting Friday Download and starring as the titular character in sci-fi series Nova Jones. While she first came to fame after getting to the finals of Britain's Got Talent in 2012 and made new fans with her appearance on Strictly Come Dancing in 2022. After failing to win BGT when she was 11 years old, Simon and his record label sponsored her to go to the coveted Sylvia Young Theatre School. The prestigious London school has been a hotbed of talent for decades, producing singers including Adele, Dua Lipa, Amy Winehouse, Rita Ora, and Emma Bunton, plus actors Keeley Hawes, Nicholas Hoult and Daniel Kaluuya. Molly previously explained: 'I did Britain's Got Talent in 2012 when I was 11 years old. That definitely changed my life because after getting to the finals, I was sponsored by Sony Music and Simon Cowell to go to the Sylvia Young theatre school. From those auditions throughout school, I got into the CBBC world.' Music mogul Simon agreeing to sponsor her stage-schooling when Molly's family turned down his offer of a record deal, determined their daughter would not become a one-hit wonder. Molly voiced her gratitude to the Daily Mail in 2022, gushing: 'Simon is Mr BGT and he made that happen, I will always be grateful. It meant I could do what I love.'
