BLETCHLEY PARK codebreaker Betty Webb MBE has died, at the age of 101.
The news was confirmed by the Women’s Royal Army Corps (WRAC) – Betty was a proud ATS and WRAC veteran, a member of the WRAC Association and president of the Birmingham branch.
Betty who, as well as her war efforts, was made an MBE in 2015 for services to remembering and promoting the work of Bletchley Park, passed away last night (Monday, March 31).
Betty’s service
Charlotte ‘Betty’ Webb joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service at the age of 18 and was stationed at Bletchley Park, the famous codebreaking arm of the British intelligence services.
As a German speaker, Mrs Webb was tasked with decoding and translating German ‘Enigma’ messages, handling some of the first intelligence messages on the Holocaust.
Upon joining the ATS – the women’s branch of the military at the time – Mrs Webb signed the Official Secrets Act, which prevented her from talking about her work at Bletchley Park until 1975.
Since then, Mrs Webb has written a memoir and was awarded an MBE for her services.
In 2021, Mrs Webb was presented with the Legion d’Honneur – France’s highest award – for helping liberate our cross-Channel friends.
Betty receives her Legion D’Honneur from the French Government. Picture by Tristan Harris.Her courage and dedication remain an inspiration to all.
She was awarded the prestigious Bletchley Park Trust Lifetime Achievement Award and a Fellowship from the Royal Historical Society.
Picture by Tristan Harris.And, in 2023, Betty was invited to the Coronation of King Charles III. Modest Betty, who was 99 at the time, saw it was a royal correspondence and said: ‘I thought it was an early 100th birthday card’.
Betty attended a host of Remembrance events organised by Bromsgrove Royal British Legion.
The WRAC said in a statement: “Betty inspired women in the Army for decades and we will continue to take pride in her service during WWII and beyond, and as a champion of female veterans.”
People have been paying tribute to Betty who was much-loved in her local communities of Wythall, Bromsgrove and Redditch.
Tributes to Betty Webb
Betty Webb with Luke Evans and former councillor Jill Dyer. Picture by Jules Evans. sBromsgrove MP Bradley Thomas said he was saddened by the news and added: “The best of a generation past, Betty served her country at Bletchley Park and was a local icon in Wythall and beyond.
“We will forever be indebted to Betty and her brave generation. Her story will live on and will no doubt inspire future generations.
“One of the greatest honours was spending time with Betty and getting to know her. The stories she told me will live long in my memory.
“Rest in peace, Betty.”
Betty with her invitation to the Coronation of King Charles III. Picture by Marcus Mingins.Coun Adam Kent said: “Betty was a steadfast advocate for the preservation of the history of Bletchley Park, where she devoted much of her life to ensuring the monumental contributions of its staff during the Second World War were never forgotten.
“Her passion for history and her commitment to educating others were truly remarkable.
“Through her work with the Bletchley Park Trust, Betty played a pivotal role in ensuring the stories of those who worked at Bletchley Park were shared with future generations.”
He added her accolades were a testament to her dedication to both the preservation of history and her tireless work as an educator and volunteer.
“As a local councillor for Wythall, I had the privilege of knowing Betty as a kind and committed individual. Her contributions to both our local community and the wider historical community will be felt for many years to come.
“Betty leaves behind a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be deeply missed by everyone in Wythall and beyond.
“Rest in peace, Betty. Your dedication to history and your kindness will never be forgotten.”
