Bletchley Park code breaker Betty Webb passes away at 101

Betty Webb, a British code breaker who contributed significantly to the efforts during World War Two, has died at the age of 101. She worked at Bletchley Park from the age of 18, where she was instrumental in deciphering enemy messages that were vital to the Allied forces. After serving four years at this critical intelligence base, Webb moved to the Pentagon in the United States, where she continued her work by paraphrasing and transcribing already-decoded Japanese communications. This period in her career was significant as she was the only member of the Auxiliary Territorial Service sent to Washington, marking a notable achievement in her professional life. Webb's contribution to the war effort continued to be recognized long after the conflict ended, culminating in her receiving France's highest medal, the Légion d'Honneur, in 2021. Moreover, the Women's Royal Army Corps Association highlighted her influence as a role model for women in the military. Her passing has led to an outpouring of tributes, underscoring her impact in both her military and personal life, including the memories shared by historians and friends who were honored to have known her. Webb's secretive work during the war meant she could not disclose her activities for several decades, which adds a layer of intrigue to her story, as she had to adopt a different identity when explaining her career path to others.