Bletchley Park
Once home to the top-secret code breakers of World War II, it’s no wonder that Bletchley Park provides the inspiration for so many stories. Recognising the advantage of its location, the head of the Secret Intelligence Service, Admiral Sir Hugh Sinclair bought the mansion in 1938 for use in the event of war, using his own money. At the start of the war in 1939, the station had only 200 workers, but by late 1944, it had a staff of nearly 9,000, working in three shifts around the clock. Experts at crossword-puzzle solving and chess were among those who were hired and about three-quarters of the workers were women.
Over the course of the War, a skilled team of codebreakers worked at Bletchley Park – then known by the codename Station X – and managed to decipher Enigma, the highly effective code encryption machine used by the Nazis. As a result, the British government were able to intercept and understand German message. Historians estimate that the Codebreakers’ efforts shortened the war by up to two years, saving countless lives.
The site is completely fascinating with so much to see and do. An incredible range of exhibitions allow visitors to explore everything from the role of pigeons to different code breaking techniques. The rebuilt Bombe machine, invented by Alan Turing, is on display and you can visit the cottages where some of the most renowned codebreakers worked.
All staff signed the Official Secrets Act and it is only recently that stories about the incredible events that took place here have come to light. It is hardly surprising that this has provided a rich source of material for authors. Here are a few of my favourites!
‘Taff in the Waaf’ tells the story of Mick Manning’s mother who worked as a wireless operator. Having signed the Official Secrets Act, she kept her story secret for sixty years and the book explains, not only her contribution, but those of the other women who worked at Bletchley Park. The illustrations are incredible- the photo above shows the book in front of the Bombe which is pictured in the book- and are an integral part of the story. Highly recommended, this text can be adapted for use with different age groups and its partner book, ‘Tail-End Charlie’, tells the story of his father’s exploits as an RAF airgunner during the Second World War.
‘Zinc’ by Sue Klauber is based on the real-life experiences of the author’s father, uncle and aunt. John, George and Eva are three siblings involved in the war in different, but equally significant ways. As a secret agent. George is parachuted into Slovakia to blow up trains in an operation codenamed ‘Zinc’. Living in Hungary, Eva is involved with the Resistance whilst John is a code-breaker at Bletchley Park. All three must keep their war work secret. This is a thrilling read, full of adventure- one not to miss!
The Secret Breakers: The Power of Three is the first in the series. Brodie Bray is recruited to join Team Veritas, a team of secret code breakers, stationed at Bletchley Park. With two other recruits, Hunter Jenkins and Tusia Petalova, she begins her code and cipher breaking training to see whether they are worthy to join the team. A pacy, compelling adventure, the whole series is addictive- you cannot stop until the very end!
A fascinating location which has inspired excellent stories! These books and others were available from the bookshop.
Taff in the Waaf Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom
Frances Lincoln ISBN: 978-1847804150
Zinc Sue Klauber
Troika ISBN: 978-1912745043
Secret Breakers: The Power of Three H L Dennis
Hodder ISBN: 978-0340999615