Gladys Lewis: World War II veteran who served at UK's codebreaking HQ at Bletchley Park dies aged 101

Rahmah Ghazali
By Rahmah Ghazali
18th Jun 2024, 3:11pm
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A World War II veteran who served at the UK's codebreaking headquarters has died at the age of 101. Gladys Lewis, from East Yorkshire, received France's highest honour late last year for her work at Bletchley Park.

Her role involved typing up transcripts of decoded Nazi intelligence, and she kept this crucial work secret from her family for 50 years. Upon receiving the award, Mrs Lewis expressed that she felt "proud" and hoped the messages were "doing some good."

Mrs Lewis, who grew up in Sproatley, near Hull, joined Bletchley in 1942 as a young member of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF).

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Gladys Lewis, a World War II veteran who served at the UK's codebreaking headquarters, has died at the age of 101. Gladys Lewis, a World War II veteran who served at the UK's codebreaking headquarters, has died at the age of 101.
Gladys Lewis, a World War II veteran who served at the UK's codebreaking headquarters, has died at the age of 101. | BBC Breakfast Show on Gladys Lewis being awarded France's highest honour late last year for her work at Bletchley Park.

In a BBC interview last year, she said she had no idea what went on there and that the posting came "out of the blue." Mrs Lewis signed the Official Secrets Act, noting that secrecy was "drummed into you". Even those working in different huts did not discuss their roles with each other, she added.

Mrs Lewis was nominated for the Legion of Honour by two ex-servicemen from Bridlington, Martin Barmby and James Riley, who applied to the French government on her behalf.

Related topics:BBCHullGovernmentBridlingtonBletchley ParkWorld War II

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