WW2 CODES AND CODE BREAKING TECHNIQUES

14 WW2 CODES AND CODE BREAKING TECHNIQUES

FILM LIBRARY

INDEX: 1. Basics 2. Seam Concealment 3. Dictionary Code 4. Postcard Code 5. QWERTY Code 6. Matches Code 7. Secret Ink/Invisible Writing 8. Deck of Cards Code 9. Chessboard Code 10. Lunch Box Code 11. Pocket Items Code 12. Numbers Code 13. Candy Code 14. The In-Between Code

A collection of 14 WW2 digitized films that contain real-world examples and code-breaking tutorials...

There is a huge difference between the clandestine communications techniques used by agents in the field and the codes and ciphers used for diplomatic communications or front line military codes such as Enigma. To start with, the codes used by agents were generally concealed, they were hidden amongst and made use of everyday items. Simplicity was the key and it worked much as the Somerton Man microcode methods fooled everyone for 70 years.

Code Breaking Videos from WW2. Major Henry Burton of US Military Intelligence explains how the codes were found and cracked. There are some most interesting similarities between some of these codes and those found in the Somerton Man Mystery. 

The videos on this page are from a  series on WW2 codes and code-breaking. They actually form part of 14 episodes each of 3 minutes duration approximately. 

You will see examples of true clandestine communications, codes that were created and used in the field by enemy agents.

1. A BASIC CODE BREAKING TECHNIQUE

The first video above shows a basic decoding technique.

2. HIDDEN IN A SEAM - CONCEALMENT

This next video shows an example that will ring bells if not because of the code type then most certainly for the way the code in this instance was concealed. It was hidden in the seam of a handkerchief. Followers will know that the torn piece containing the words TAMAM SHUD, was found rolled up very tightly and pushed down into a hard to find fob pocket. It would have felt just like a seam.

3. THE DICTIONARY CODE

The tutorial in this video starts at the 16 minute and 5 seconds mark. Major Burton describes how some everyday items can be used to transmit a secret code and you really wouldn't know. I won't spoil it for you but you could make a start with the items that the man had with him when found, 7 cigarettes, 2 combs, 1 packet of chewing gum....Over to you..

4. POSTCARD CODE

Coming up next, an early version of a 'Simple Letter Code' where a message is concealed within a handwritten note on a postcard. This example was actually taken from an enemy agent in WW2.

5. THE QWERTY CODE

Next, yet another very clever way to create and conceal a secret coded message, the code itself was found in the heel of a shoe written on a small piece of paper. The Intelligence team quickly latched on to what was being used and deciphered the secret message fairly quickly.

6. THE MATCHES CODE

In this case, an ordinary book of matches contained a concealed code that had been written on to the stalks of the matches. The decoding exercise was great to watch, yet again, simplicity was the key.

7. SECRET INKS

Mention spies and the subject of Secret or Invisible inks is often included in the same sentence. Messages using secret inks were and are quite commonplace but some of the fluids used may not be so well known. This video gives a good overview of the technique and one that can be easily tested.

8. DECK OF CARDS CODE

Another code and another everyday item used to create and conceal secret messages. The technique used to decode requires in this case a piece of equipment although in other circumstances it could be done manually.

9. THE CHESSBOARD CODE

What at first looks like a jumble of letters is quickly sorted into a deciphered secret message using a simple technique. The letters are laid out in a chessboard style but in such a way that you would never guess what the hidden words were, until...

10. A LUNCH BOX CODE...

A hidden slip of paper found in a secret compartment in an everyday item, a lunchbox. The code at first looked challenging but as usual, a simple method is found and the code was cracked.

11. POCKET ITEMS CODE

Everyday contents of a man's pocket combine to create a secret message which nearly was nearly overlooked except by the sharp-eyed code breakers from US Military Intelligence.

12. A NUMBERS CODE

A different kind of code in this example, nothing but a set of numbers including fractions to work from. But in the end, the solution is simple. A fine example of Tradecraft.

13. THE CANDY CODE

A small box of chocolate candy was intercepted by the code breakers, on weighing the box it was found to be lighter than the contents label suggested. That led the team to think that the number of individual types of candy was probably some kind of code. They were right of course...

14. THE IN-BETWEEN CODE

You could also call it 'The Gap Code', because this code relied on what was missing and not what was there to deliver its secret message. Once the problem was understood, the solution was quick to follow.

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