Catherine Caughey facts for kids
Catherine Mary Caughey (born Harvey) was a very important person. She helped win World War II. She used special computers called Colossus computers. This happened at a secret place called Bletchley Park.
Early Life and Education
Catherine Mary Harvey was born in Eldoret, Kenya. This was on December 8, 1923. She grew up on a farm there. Later, she went to school in England. She studied at St Mary's School, Calne. She also went to Harcombe House Domestic Science School.
World War II Service
In 1943, Catherine was called to serve her country. She joined the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS). These women were called "Wrens." Catherine was chosen for "Special Duties X." This meant she would work at Bletchley Park.
Starting in 1944, she worked in a section called the "Newmanry." Her job was to use the amazing Colossus computers. These computers helped to break secret German codes. These were messages from the German High Command. Later, she was in charge of the teleprinter room. This room received important messages. These messages were part of a code called "Tunny."
Life After the War
After the war ended, Catherine went to Dorset House in Oxford. She trained to be an occupational therapist. This job helps people recover from injuries or illnesses. She worked at a hospital in Oxford.
In 1950, she married Ron Caughey. They moved to the United States for a short time. Then, in 1952, they moved to Auckland, New Zealand. They lived in Epsom and later in Remuera. They had a son and a daughter. Catherine became a New Zealand citizen in 1975.
Ron Caughey passed away in 1975. That same year, the secret work at Bletchley Park was finally revealed. It had been kept secret for 30 years.
Catherine was very active in her community. She worked with the Girl Guides in New Zealand. She was even an honorary vice president for Auckland. In 1978, she started the Auckland Multicultural Society. She was also its president. In 1994, Catherine received a special award. She was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire. This was for all her great work in the community.
Catherine wrote a book called World Wanderer. It was based on her diaries. She also helped write a chapter in a book about Alan Turing. Catherine Caughey passed away in Auckland on April 12, 2008.
