Top 5 Weaknesses of an Enigma | Bletchley Park

During World War Two most military communications were sent via radio, but the enemy could listen in on those radio signals.

In order to keep messages secret from the enemy you had to encipher them. Cipher machines like the Enigma were used by the German army and air force during the war to protect their radio messages.

Join our Research Officer, Dr Thomas Cheetham, as he explores in-depth the top 5 weaknesses of one of the most common Enigma machines of World War Two.

Credits
Archive image(s) of Codebreakers at Bletchley Park, the Bombe Machine and Hugh Alexander © Crown Copyright. Reproduced by kind permission, Director GCHQ

Animation(s) of Enigma path and exploded rotor view © Courtesy of Jared Owen

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About Bletchley Park - Bletchley Park is a vibrant heritage attraction and museum, open daily to visitors. It was the home of British World War Two codebreaking; a place where technological innovation and human endeavour came together to make ground-breaking achievements that have helped shape the world we live in today.

This unique site was previously a vast Victorian estate, where parts including the Mansion still survive, expanding during wartime to accommodate Codebreakers Huts and Blocks. During World War Two, the Government Code and Cypher School (GC&CS), now known as the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), was based at Bletchley Park.

It grew from a small team of specialists to a vast intelligence factory of thousands of dedicated women and men. This extraordinary combination of brilliant and determined people and cutting-edge technology contributed significantly to Allied victory. In tough conditions, they provided vital intelligence and developed pioneering technological innovation that had a direct and profound influence on the outcome of the war.

The site continues to reveal secrets and tell fascinating stories of our national legacy. The Bletchley Park Trust - Bletchley Park Trust is a registered charity, heritage attraction and independent museum. As an independent charity, we rely on income from our visitors, Friends and supporters to secure the long-term future of the site.

Registered charity number: 1012743


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00:00 - Intro
01:43 - The Entry Wheel
06:22 - The Reflector: Part 1
10:18 - The Reflector: Part 2
12:25 - Reciprocal Plugboard
16:30 - Rotor Turnover Notches