On the 27th of June, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Bletchley Park, thanks to an event organised by IET Berkshire. It was a bright and sunny afternoon, and twelve of us made our way individually to this historic site, where we gathered to explore one of the most significant locations in British wartime history.
Our first stop was the Radio Station, where we were introduced to the fascinating work of the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB). We learnt how licensed amateur radio operators played a crucial role during World War II by intercepting enemy transmissions. These operators would carefully transcribe the coded messages they received—messages that were often the first step in the complex process of codebreaking. It was eye-opening to realise how much of the war effort relied not just on soldiers in the field, but also on those working quietly behind the scenes with radios and notebooks.
Next, we ventured into the office buildings. These were a maze of similar-looking corridors and rooms, and at one point, I genuinely thought we might get lost! Each room held a piece of the puzzle—documents, codes, and exhibits that painted a vivid picture of the secretive work that took place there. One of the most intriguing parts was a large meeting room where wartime staff would devise elaborate cover stories to conceal the fact that they had successfully broken enemy codes. The level of secrecy and ingenuity involved was truly astonishing.
The highlight of the visit was undoubtedly Hut 9A, where we stepped into the world of Alan Turing and his team. This was the heart of the codebreaking operation, where the Enigma machine’s secrets were unravelled. We saw several versions of the machine, read about Turing’s life and legacy, and even witnessed a live demonstration of how the machine worked. Watching the rows of rotating discs in action was mesmerising. It’s said that the work done here shortened the war by two years and saved countless lives—a humbling thought.
After a long and enriching day, we stepped outside into the sunshine and treated ourselves to some well-earned ice cream. There was still so much more to see, and I hope to return one day to explore the rest of the site.
This visit was not only educational but also deeply inspiring. I’m grateful to the IET for organising such a meaningful experience. If you ever get the chance to visit Bletchley Park, I highly recommend it—it’s a place where history comes alive, and where you can truly appreciate the brilliance and bravery of those who worked in silence to change the course of the war.
Written by Thimuthu Sumanasena, Year 7, The Abbey School Reading
