Joan Joslin facts for kids

Joan Winifred Joslin (born Glover, 11 March 1923 – 8 February 2020) was a brave British codebreaker. She worked at Bletchley Park during World War II. Her secret work helped the Allies win the war.

Joan Joslin: A Secret War Hero

Joining the Secret Mission

Joan Glover was born on March 11, 1923. She was called to Bletchley Park on December 24, 1941. This was a top-secret place where smart people worked to break enemy codes.

Learning to Break Codes

For six weeks, Joan learned to use special Hollerith machines. These machines helped her to break secret codes. During the war, she worked hard to understand hidden messages. These messages came from Japanese airplanes and German ships.

A Big Impact: The Scharnhorst

Joan's work was very important. Her efforts helped find and sink the powerful German battleship Scharnhorst. This was a huge victory for the Allies. Her secret work saved many lives.

Life After the War

Joan met her future husband on her first day at Bletchley Park. They got engaged in 1944 and married after the war ended. Her amazing code-breaking work stayed a secret for many years. People did not know about it until the mid-1970s.

Remembering a Hero

In May 2014, Joan Joslin shared her story. She was interviewed for the Bletchley Park Oral History Project. This project collects stories from people who worked there. Joan Joslin passed away in Essex on February 8, 2020. She was 96 years old. Her bravery and secret work helped change history.