Biography

Marjorie Frances Esclair-Monde Stewart (Lady Marling) (18 May 1912 – 9 November 1988) was a British actress and a member of the Special Operations Executive (SOE) during World War II. In 1939, Marjorie joined the Special Operations Executive (SOE). Initially employed as a lift operator, she quickly rose to the position of secretary to SOE Controller; Patrick Howarth. Historical records suggest her primary contributions were administrative, though she played a key role in planning operations and possibly training female spies. Her connection with Operation Postmaster was mainly behind-the-scenes, involved in strategic planning rather than direct action. She met Gustavus Henry March-Phillipps during the war, and married him on April 18,1942, shortly after Operation Postmaster. Subsequently, March-Phillips was killed later that year, and Marjorie was left a widow. She gave birth to their daughter, Henrietta Sophia March-Phillipps, on June 15, 1943. After the war, she returned to her acting career and worked with at least 22 other productions. Her acting career, while not as prominent as her early years, remained a significant part of her life until her retirement. In November 1957, she married Major Sir John Stanley Vincent Marling, son of Sir Charles Murray Marling and Lucia Slade. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.