Ruth Bourne facts for kids

Ruth June Bourne (born in 1926) was a brave woman who helped win World War II (1939–1945). She was part of a secret group called the Women of Bletchley Park. This team was put together by the British government to break secret codes used by the Axis Powers (countries like Germany, Italy, and Japan). Ruth and the others had to promise never to tell anyone about their important work. At Bletchley Park, Ruth's job was to help break German codes. She also operated a special machine called a bombe. After the war ended in 1945, she was one of the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRENs) who carefully took these machines apart.

Joining the Secret Team

When Ruth was just 17, she was training with the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRENs). She was then asked to join the secret team at Bletchley Park. She had to sign a contract. This meant she would work long hours and keep her job a secret. Ruth was part of a team at HMS Pembroke V that did special duties.

At Bletchley Park, there were two main types of teams:

• The 'y station' teams listened for German messages, especially those sent using the Enigma code.
• The 'x station' teams, like Ruth's, operated the bombe machines to break these codes.

What Ruth Did

Many women who joined had never used a bombe machine before. They learned on the job. They were shown a few machines for training and told not to ask many questions. Ruth's job involved getting the machines ready each day. She had to turn special drums and plug in boards. These steps followed a set of instructions.

Ruth was also a "checker." She waited for information to be "confirmed." When it was, she would report it. Other members at Bletchley Park would then check her findings. Ruth was on her feet all day with very few breaks. Workers at Bletchley Park were told exactly what to do. They had no choice in their tasks. Ruth always followed instructions from her first day until the war ended. Even though they had little say, Ruth said it felt good to know they were helping to break German codes. She started working as a bombe operator in early 1944 and continued until the war finished in 1945.

After the War Ended

When World War II ended in 1945, all the Bletchley Park workers were told to keep their work a secret. They could not tell anyone, not even their families. This secret lasted for many years. It was not until 1974, when a book called The Ultra Secret was published, that they were finally allowed to talk about their part in defeating Nazi Germany. Ruth said that after so many years of keeping quiet, it was hard to talk about her experiences, even when she was allowed to.