Ruth Bourne facts for kids
Ruth June Bourne (born Henry, 1926 – 17 December 2025) was a brave British codebreaker. She was one of the amazing women who worked at Bletchley Park during World War II. Their secret mission was to help the Allies win against the Axis powers. The British government created a special, secret team at Bletchley Park. Everyone who joined had to sign a Secrets Act. This meant they could not tell anyone about their important work.
Ruth Bourne's job at Bletchley Park was very important. She helped to break German secret codes. She was also a bombe operator. Bombe machines were special devices used to help decode messages. Ruth was part of the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRENs). After the war ended in 1945, she even helped take apart the bombe machines, wire by wire.
Ruth Bourne's Early Life and Secret Recruitment
Ruth June Henry was born in 1926. When she was 17, Ruth was training with the WRENs. She then received a special assignment. She was asked to join the secret team at Bletchley Park. Ruth had to agree to a contract. This contract meant long hours and a very secret life. She could not leave once she joined.
Ruth became part of the team at HMS Pembroke V. Her role was part of the "SDX special duties." Workers at Bletchley Park had different jobs. Some were at the 'y station.' They listened for German Enigma code messages. Others, like Ruth, worked at the 'x station.' They operated the bombe machines to decode these messages.
Ruth Bourne's Vital Role in World War II
Most of the women recruited had no experience with bombe machines. They learned on the job. Workers were shown only a few machines for training. They were told not to ask questions. Ruth's job involved preparing the machines every day. She turned the drums and plugged in boards. These steps followed specific settings.
Ruth also worked as a checker. She waited for information to be 'confirmed.' When it was, she reported it. This helped other Bletchley Park members check the code. Ruth's work kept her busy all day. There was little time for breaks. Workers were given tasks without discussion. This was called 'mustard.' Ruth always did what she was told.
She found her work very satisfying. She knew she was helping to break German codes. Ruth started operating bombe machines in early 1944. She continued this vital work until the war ended in 1945.
The Secret Revealed: Ruth Bourne After the War
When World War II ended in 1945, the Bletchley Park workers had to keep their secret. They could not tell anyone about their work. This secrecy lasted for many years. It was not until 1974 that the truth came out. A book called The Ultra Secret was published. This book finally allowed Ruth and others to share their stories. They could tell their families about helping to defeat Nazi Germany.
Ruth said it was hard to talk about her experiences. She had become so used to keeping quiet. Even after she was allowed to speak, she still found it difficult to share details. Ruth Bourne passed away on 17 December 2025, at the age of 99. Her important contributions helped change the course of history.
