Frank Birch facts for kids

Francis Lyall "Frank" Birch (born December 5, 1889 – died February 14, 1956) was a clever British code-breaker and an actor. He went to famous schools like Eton College and King's College, Cambridge.

During World War I, Frank Birch was a lieutenant commander in the Royal Navy. He served in different places, including the Atlantic Ocean. From 1916 to 1919, he joined a secret intelligence group called Room 40. This group worked on breaking enemy codes. Frank even wrote a funny history book about Room 40. He received an award called the OBE in 1919 for his work.

Life at Cambridge and Acting

Frank Birch was a special member, called a fellow, at King's College, Cambridge. He was there from 1915 to 1934. He also taught history at Cambridge University from 1921 to 1928.

In the 1930s, Frank decided to try acting. He left his teaching job to become an actor. He even played a character called Widow Twankey in a type of play called pantomime. In 1939, he was part of a TV show for the BBC.

World War II and Bletchley Park

When World War II started in 1939, Frank Birch joined the secret code-breaking center at Bletchley Park. He became the head of the team that worked on German naval codes. These codes were made using a special machine called the Enigma machine.

Breaking the Enigma codes was very important for the war effort. Frank's team needed more special machines called Bombes to help them. They even got help from America to get more of these machines. For his important work, Frank Birch received another award, the CMG, in 1945.

Frank Birch's Film Roles

Frank Birch acted in many films. Here are some of the movies he appeared in:

• School for Stars (1935) - Robert Blake
• Jubilee Window (1935) - Ambrose Holroyd
• Cross Currents (1935) - Rev. Eustace Hickling
• Wolf's Clothing (1936) - Reverend John Laming
• Love at Sea (1936) - Mr. Godwin
• Such Is Life (1936) - Mockett
• Jump for Glory (1937) - Vicar
• Double Exposures (1937) - Kempton
• Twin Faces (1937) - Ben Zwigi
• Victoria the Great (1937) - Sir Charles Dilke
• Jennifer Hale (1937) - Sharman
• The Academy Decides (1937)
• Who Goes Next? (1938) - Capt. Grover
• The Challenge (1938) - Rev. Charles Hudson
• The Villiers Diamond (1938) - Silas Wade
• Lady in the Fog (1952) - Boswell - the airport manager
• Will Any Gentleman...? (1953) - Mr. Brown
• Face the Music (1954) - Trumpet Salesman