The Enigma Machine
Engima was the trade name for the cypher machine used by the Germans to code their communications, the codes of which changed daily. British listening stations intercepted messages which were then passed to cryptographers at the Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park to decode.
Top secret intelligence obtained from decoding Enigma messages was known as Ultra. During the Battle of Britain, there was a direct link between Bletchley Park and the headquarters of Fighter Command headquarters at Bentley Priory. In 1940, Ultra material revealed the existence of radio beams used by Luftwaffe bombers to guide them to targets, enabling RAF units to respond more effectively. Enigma transcripts were of little use for information day-to-day but they did confirm the bigger picture of Germany’s intention for the Battle of Britain including the planned invasion and its subsequent postponement.
Details
| Object number | 82/R/503 |
|---|---|
| Production date | 1940-1945 |
| Date in use | 1940-1945 |
| Associated with | |
| Key events |
Adopted by:
A physical machine adopted for an aviation historian more used to using original source material in words.
Here's to the countless conversations, shared laughter, and unwavering support that define our friendship. May our journey together be as enigmatic and fulfilling as the secrets this machine once held. With heartfelt appreciation and endless admiration
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