ULTRA

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ULTRA was a code word for British communications intelligence (COMINT) in the Second World War, primarily targeted against the German Enigma machine and its derivatives. [1]. This was one of the greatest intelligence triumphs in the history of warfare; the British read many German messages throughout the war.

The COMINT organization was called the Government Code and Cipher School (GCCS), which reported to the Secret Intelligence Service. Eventually, GCCS became a separate organization, the Government Communications Headquarters, with functions similar to the Canadian Communications Security Establishment or the U.S. National Security Agency.

Bletchley Park and the early days

Bletchley Park now has a museum and a web site [1]. In 2008, they ran low on money and an appeal was made [2] for funds to keep it going. Respondents include several major hi-tech companies [3].

Special Liaison system

Early cryptanalytic automation

References

  1. Winterbotham, F.W. (2000), The Ultra Secret, Orion