Star class 4-6-0 No 4012 Knight of the Thistle leaves Parsons tunnel between Dawlish and Teignmouth with a down express c1925.

Peter Kerslake says "4012 is passing boulders intended to provide some protection from the sea at this vulnerable location. This protection was greatly increased in later years, the rocks today being much larger with many more of them!
In the Second World War years a manned "Lookout" point was built into the cliff face to the right of the tunnel exit to provide an early warning of any seaborne enemy attack being directed to this vital stretch of track, with a similar observation point located at the approach to Teignmouth station."

Photo: Robert Brookman/Rail Archive Stephenson