The hidden history of bletchley park: A social and organisational history, 1939-1945

Abstract

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.