Code-breaking machine built by NCR

During WWII, the German military was using a machine, called the Enigma, to encode secret messages to U-boats that were sinking U.S. Navy ships. British cryptanalysts, using a machine called a Bombe, had been successful in decoding these messages. But when a fourth rotor was added to the Enigma, the British bombe was almost useless.

Joseph Desch, working at NCR, developed the first US code-breaking computer. Six times faster than its British counterpart, it was able to decode the messages to the U-boats.

WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) were brought to Dayton to assemble parts for the bombes. Once built, WAVES were sent to Washington D.C. to run the machines. The bombe was so successful it is thought to have saved thousands of lives. The building of the Bombe was a war time secret that was never compromised. In 1978 some documents of the project were finally declassified.

About this feature

Curt Dalton of Dayton History and www.daytonhistorybooks.com, unearths the lost gems of the Miami Valley's past. See web exclusive and past Jewels at www.MyDaytonDailyNews.com/gemcityjewels.

In Other News

Multiple storm surveys planned for Miami Valley after Tuesday storms

2 restaurants open this week in Dayton region

This Week in Dayton History: Cole Brothers circus, turtle returns after...

More than 2,600 without power following Tuesday storms

Warped Wing launches concert night food menu in Huber Heights

About the Author

Stand Alone Photo