Why a Booktrail?
1930s, 1940s: The story of the World War 2 de-coders of Bletchley Park continues to fascinate.
1930s, 1940s: The story of the World War 2 de-coders of Bletchley Park continues to fascinate.
How did Mair Thomas, brought up in the Welsh valleys and a musician, find herself in the rarefied atmosphere of Hut Six, surrounded by hundreds of others, all desperately trying to break the German Enigma Code? How did she cope? What was it like? Sworn to secrecy and working in cramped and uncomfortable conditions, Mair discovered her degree in German and Music was just what was needed. But her background was very different to that of most of her colleagues, drawn from the public schools and Oxbridge. How did she manage, and what relationships did she build? This book gives a fascinating insight into one woman’s battle and vividly captures an era of danger, strain – and day to day difficulties, brightened occasionally by visits from the top brass, including Churchill.
There are no words to describe walking into the huts, around the lake, into the mansion house…..
This place really has to be seen to be believed. The cramped conditions, the cold winds rattling through the doors, the basic tables and chairs, the lack of comforts and the secrecy. But amidst all that some of the best brains in the country saved millions from death by shortening the war by about two years.
The huts are a lot smaller than you think, the park itself so compact that you can’t imagine how so many people could work here and work here without knowing what everyone else was doing. This is one place you will never ever forget once you’ve seen it through your own eyes.
Destination: Bletchley Author/Guide: Mair Russell-Jones Departure Time: 1930s -1940s
Back to Results