The Rescue of the Enigma Code Machine from U-559

Defining a Turning Point in WWII

The U-559 Incident

On October 30, 1942, during World War II, a significant event occurred involving the British Royal Navy and the German submarine U-559. As U-559 was floundering after being attacked by British forces, it became a critical point in the battle for intelligence supremacy in the war. This was a unique opportunity for British sailors to board the sinking sub and retrieve valuable intelligence—the Enigma code machine.

The Brave Actions of British Sailors

During the operation, a British crew, including two sailors, showed incredible bravery. Upon boarding the U-boat, they discovered the Enigma machine and hurriedly worked to retrieve it. However, this daring raid was not without cost, as two sailors, Able Seaman Anthony Forster and Petty Officer George William McDonald, heroically perished when the submarine ultimately sank.

Impact of the Enigma Machine Recovery

Understanding the Enigma Code

The Enigma code machine was vital for the German military's communication security. The inability to break this code had impeded Allied forces in their attempts to gather intelligence. By successfully obtaining the Enigma machine from U-559, the British were able to decode German messages, which subsequently shifted the balance in favor of the Allies.

The Legacy of U-559

The sinking of U-559 was significant not just for the intelligence gained but also for the legacy left by the sailors involved. The heroes who embarked on this perilous mission have been honored for their sacrifice and courage. Their actions contributed to the eventual Allied victory and laid the groundwork for breakthroughs in code intelligence.

Fun Fact

U-559's Fate

The U-559 rests at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea, a relic of wartime legacy. The retrieval of the Enigma machine is often described as a classic example of how intelligence can turn the tide in warfare.

Additional Resources

Recommended Reading on WWII and the Enigma Code

For those who wish to delve deeper into this topic, reading "Enigma: The Battle for the Code" by Hugh Sebag-Montefiore provides an excellent overview of the struggle for control of military codes during WWII. Additionally, "The Code Book" by Simon Singh offers an analysis of the history and importance of codebreaking in warfare.