April 2004.

Attendance at GCHQ Families & Charities Day 2005 approved by AGM one year in advance and costs scheduled into our programme.

Jan 2005

Formal invitation received from GCHQ, to demonstrate amateur radio at their Charities and Families Day in May. Callsign GB2HQ reserved with RSGB. Initial on-site visit to discuss plans. Permission granted to photograph WWII Enigma to use as QSL card. Photographs taken. QSL cards designed and ordered.

Discovered that Enigma machine M-1443 was one of the few remaining fully working machines. Proposed enciphering message of tribute on the Enigma and transmitting on air with certificate to be awarded by GCHQ for 100% accurate intercept. All profits to be donated to the charities fund.

Feb 2005

Plans approved by GCHQ. Write to Ofcom (UK Communications Regulator) for dispensation to send enciphered Enigma message on amateur bands for this VE Day; weekend only. Commence rapid learning curve on operation of WWII Enigma machine. Research internet, download Enigma simulators and contact experts in the field. Grateful thanks to Geoff Sullivan,Tom Perara and Tony Marriot for their invaluable advise, support and constructive criticism. Vast amount of information available on enciphering process but difficult to obtain information on WWII operating procedures.

Determined to make transmissions as authentic as possible but little information available on layout of preambles, use of long or short Zero's, method of erasure in case of errors during transmission etc.

April

Permission finally granted by Ofcom, with strict restrictions. two day operation only, one Enigma message. Unfortunately we have missed the deadline for May editions of most amateur radio magazines. Only Radcom able to accept. E-mail publicity commenced advising organisations catering for CW enthusiasts such as Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Royal Signals, FISTS, Chiltern DX Club, FOC, ROARS, ISWL. Group web site to be focal point for information.

Hits on our web site increasing rapidly, peaking at 40 per hour, as news of the operation spreading quickly across Europe. Receiving feedback from radio amateurs, SWL's and Enigma enthusiasts. Queries being received from North America. Extra broadcast times added to cater for the USA. Close liaison with GCHQ. Transmitting from a Government Communications Base requires all equipment to be electrically checked out and tests conducted to ensure no interference to station operations.

Allowed pre-event dummy run on Enigma to practice enciphering message of tribute Realise that the machine, although termed "in working order" not been used in anger for more than 60 years and that the plugboard and spring loaded brass contacts on the rotors were not making reliable circuits. Machine given overhaul by station technicians and now working to our satisfaction.

Day of event

On site by 0800 to erect temporary antenna mast, set up station, prepare area and layout  publicity material.  Enigma machine brought to our operating position and enciphering operation commenced.  Greatly relieved that process went smoothly. Photo shoot to prove that operations was genuine. Expected Enigma to be removed to a secure display cabinet but delighted to discover that authorities allowed it to remain in our possession for the entire operation.  Needless to say this was a huge attraction for visitors allowing  us to explain its history, how it worked and our own operation. One of our operating team remained with the machine all the time, with instructions to count the number of Enigma machines present every 10 minutes !

Large crowd of visitors for the first Enigma transmission. Message displayed on large screen as it was sent, for the benefit of visitors.  Short period of silence on the frequency then all hell let loose as every amateur Europe called in with acknowledgement of  receipt.  Who said that CW was dead?