The Hidden History of Bletchley Park: A Social and Organisational History, 1939-1945

ISBN-13: 9781137484925 / Angielski / Twarda / 2015 / 238 str.

Christopher Smith

Opis

Bletchley Park is typically described as a 'unique' institution, a conclusion derived from the eccentricities of its most celebrated staff members, its perceived egalitarian and collegiate working environment, and the extreme secrecy surrounding its activities. Yet contrary to this popular image of Bletchley Park, the agency developed over the course of the war into a highly regimented, highly professional - and highly typical - wartime institution. Notwithstanding the veil of secrecy that permeated every level of its operation, the agency faced the same kinds of logistical, organizational and administrative challenges common to organizations during the war and in many respects responded in a 'typical' fashion. Similarly, prevalent social norms within British society dominated the day-to-day lives of staff members. Meanwhile, the agency was able to function and remain secret in no small part thanks to the willingness of local people to accept a surprising degree of wartime inconvenience and restriction.

Spis treści

Introduction 1. The Organisation of the Government Code and Cypher School 2. Recruitment at GC&CS: 1919-1945 3. On-duty Life at the Government Code and Cypher School 4. The Administration of Off-Duty Life and Staff Welfare 5. Off-Duty Life: Staff Experience 6. Bletchley Park and its Impact on the Local Community Conclusion

O autorze

Christopher Smith teaches modern British history at Aberystwyth University, UK.