Bletchley Park

I’ve only been to Bletchley Park once, about six years ago, and my initial impression was one of huge disappointment. Bletchley House seemed empty, with very little to explain either its role in wartime or its importance. The rest of the site seemed very run-down (understandably) but also seemed to lack focus, with a disparate collection of exhibits many (although interesting in their own right) with little or no connection with Bletchley Park or code-breaking.

What saved the visit for me was a group of wireless enthusiasts (one of whom was an ex-Bomber Command operator) who were happy to chat to visitors, to demonstrate their equipment (and skill) and to let the ham-fisted have a go at sending morse-code.

Several years later, although it wasn’t at Bletchley Park, I did also meet one of the museum staff (or volunteer) on a stand at RAF Cosford during an airshow and had the pleasure of actually working an original Enigma machine; it was quite something to have the thing opened-up and to actually handle the rotors that I’d read so much about. This experience made the absence of similar hands-on exhibits a Bletchley Park all the more noticeable; code-breaking is a bit abstract at the best of times (especially for the young) and I think museums need something physical for visitors to experience.

I live 5 to 10 mins drive from Bletchley park. I went there last year. Its a really good place to go if you get the chance. They even have a harrier there and I believe the nose section of a Hawker Hunter.

After being so tied up last year with one thing and another, I am determined to go this year, even more so as you have given it a good “Write up”.

Many thanks.

Lincoln .7

Thank you for that. I read an extremely good book on Bletchley at the end of last year and passed it on to a distant relative who worked there. Its role has never been given the recognition it deserved and but for the thousands who worked there the war might have lasted longer and the end might have been very different.

I know it’s importance is finaly being recognised inasmuch as long over due repairs have been done, although I am unaware as to what has been restored.
Lincoln. 7

I live 5 to 10 mins drive from Bletchley park. I went there last year. Its a really good place to go if you get the chance. They even have a harrier there and I believe the nose section of a Hawker Hunter.

Thank you for that. I read an extremely good book on Bletchley at the end of last year and passed it on to a distant relative who worked there. Its role has never been given the recognition it deserved and but for the thousands who worked there the war might have lasted longer and the end might have been very different.

Theres also a Harrier there 🙂

All of your encouraging words will see me there in the Spring, without a doubt. Acorn is really rather “modern” isn’t it?:D It’s the 1940s stuff I am looking forward to seeing.

A great place to visit my nan was stationed there during the war and they tell a fantastic story, but dont go to the computer museum as it makes you feel old especially if you know what an acorn electron is!!

curlyboy

I live about 5mins drive from bletchley park 🙂 Its a good place!
Go have a look around 🙂

Similar memories from my relative, who is the same age as your mother. I found her on the website “roll of honour” of every person who worked there, where you will find your mother, if you have not already done so. It gives their name, married name, title and Hut number. As you say long hours, 1 day off a week and a week’s leave every so often and dances in Leighton Buzzard! And Alan Turing is listed with his full name and “known as The Prof”.

My Mum worked there for a time during the war as a WAAF Morse slip reader.
It’s a bit difficult getting details out of her now at the age of 86,but she remembers working very long shifts where toilet breaks were forbidden.She’s also convinced that the long hours she spent doing that work must have contributed to her developing MS in her forties.

Bletchley Park

I have been to BP many times in the past few years and have always found it very interesting, its worth a visit.

Thank you very much – that’s all I needed to hear.:)

Yes. Well worth a visit.

I went on the day of a Military Vehicle Show which in many ways detracted from the experience (But I needed some bits for the Ferret)

Always have meant to return.

But the atmosphere there is great.

Moggy