Oldham War code breaker Doreen recognised in national campaign

Waterhead-based Doreen Brookes

A 101-year-old lady from Waterhead, who helped break the Enigma code during World War II, has been honoured with a purple plaque.

Doreen Brooks was part of the team that intercepted German messages, logged them and sent them to Bletchley Park where they were decoded (see image below).

When the efforts of Doreen and several others were finally recognised in 2009, Doreen received a letter of thank you from then-Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Doreen later became the focus of a purple plaque which was erected in Edinburgh alongside Elizabeth Wiskemann’s plaque, a historical figure who also contributed to the World War II effort, working as an intelligence officer.

Doreen, who has been a client of Home Instead Oldham and Saddleworth since 2019, said: “Why me? I’m not an MP or anyone famous.

"It was a shock, but a nice shock.”

Mick Sheehan, managing director of Home Instead Oldham and Saddleworth, said: “We are beyond pleased that Doreen’s heroic actions during World War II have been recognised with the purple plaque award.

“She is an inspiration and it is a pleasure to provide her with support.”

Home care company Home Instead is so inspired by stories of clients making a difference, so they are keen to celebrate those who are particularly outstanding.

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