Cambridge University Exhibition Highlights Unrecognized Women Code-Breakers of World War II

A new exhibition at Cambridge University is shining a light on the critical contributions of dozens of women code-breakers who helped decipher Nazi messages during World War II, ultimately playing a significant role in shortening the war. Despite their vital work, these unsung heroes were bound by the Official Secrets Act and their achievements remained hidden for decades.

Research by former Newnham College student and teacher Sally Waugh has revealed that at least 77 women from the college were drafted to Bletchley Park, the renowned code-breaking center north of London, where they worked in complete secrecy to crack Nazi codes. The women, including mathematicians, linguists, historians, and even archaeologists, were instrumental in decrypting German signals encrypted by the Enigma machine, producing intelligence reports, and analyzing the activities of the Nazis.

While their work contributed to Allied planning, including preparations for the D-Day landings, most of the women were unaware of the specifics of the invasion due to the highly classified nature of their roles. Bound by the Official Secrets Act, they were unable to publicly share their wartime achievements for many years. "These women were breaking codes day in, day out, but they didn't know what the messages contained or what they were being used for," Waugh explained.

Why this matters: The exhibition at Cambridge University is an important step in recognizing the vital contributions of these women code-breakers, whose work has long been overlooked in history. By highlighting their stories, the exhibition aims to inspire future generations and emphasize the significance of their roles in helping to bring an end to World War II.

Among the women featured in the exhibition, only one name has been widely recognized: mathematician Joan Clarke, who worked alongside Alan Turing and was briefly engaged to him. The exhibition, which opened on April 14, 2024, at the University Library, aims to rectify this historical oversight and celebrate the achievements of these remarkable women who played a critical role in the Allied victory.

Key Takeaways

• Cambridge exhibition highlights women code-breakers at Bletchley Park in WWII.
• At least 77 women from Newnham College worked at Bletchley Park in secrecy.
• Women's code-breaking work was crucial for Allied planning and D-Day preparations.
• Women were bound by Official Secrets Act, unable to share their achievements.
• Exhibition aims to recognize these unsung heroes and inspire future generations.