Working and Living at Bletchley Park

Abstract

The burgeoning histories of Bletchley Park’s decryption and cryptanalysis operations during World War II have recognized the invaluable contributions of the 8000 women who comprised 75% of the staff. Some emphasize the number of wealthy debutantes who were recruited, or those who demonstrated their skills in lateral thinking by solving crossword puzzles. Eleanor Ireland fits neither of these categories. This anecdote is edited from her oral history with Janet Abbate and her own memoir, both of which are available on the Engineering and Technology History Wiki, which is maintained by the IEEE History Center.