Bletchley Park pay tribute after passing of World War 2 operator Ruth Bourne

Bletchley Park has paid tribute to Ruth Bourne, who was an bombe operator and checker at the site in the Second World War who passed away earlier this week.

Bourne died at age 99, with news of her passing confirmed on Thursday (18/12). In her life, she worked on Bletchley Park projects during the war, working both at the site and at an outstation at Stanmore in North London.

She also worked as a tour guide at the Bletchley Park site decades later, as well as holding discussions about her work during the conflict. She was also awarded the prestigious military honour Legion d’honneur by France in 2018 in recognition of her military service.

The Bletchley Park Trust said, “It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Ruth Bourne.

“Ruth served in the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS) during World War Two and worked as a Bombe operator and checker at Eastcote and Stanmore, both outstations of Bletchley Park, from 1943 to 1945.

“Ruth’s contribution to the war effort, and to preserving Bletchley Park’s legacy, will never be forgotten.”

In a statement paying tribute, Iain Standen, CEO of Bletchley Park Trust, said, “The Trust was very sad to learn of Ruth’s death. Once the veil of secrecy had been lifted, she was passionate about sharing the story of the work that she and her colleagues had undertaken. For many years, she generously gave her time as a tour guide, helping visitors understand the human stories behind the codebreaking work. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her, and remembered with immense gratitude and affection.”