Oldhamer Doreen, who helped crack Enigma code, turns 103

Doreen is pictured with her purple plaque

An Oldham care home resident, who helped crack the Enigma code, has celebrated turning 103.  

Doreen Brooks, who moved to Anchor’s Millfield care home earlier this year, was previously given her purple plaque in honour and recognition of her incredible service during the Second World War. 

Doreen, born on July 17, 1921, was once employed on the team that was tasked with intercepting German messages.  

Once intercepted, the team would log the messages and transfer them across to the British Intelligence Service at Bletchley Park.

It was here Alan Turing’s ‘Enigma cracking’ machine would decode them.  

To celebrate reaching 103 years of age, Doreen was joined by fellow Millfield residents and Anchor care colleagues to celebrate the occasion.  

Not only did she enjoy her homemade birthday cake, but she was presented with flowers by Anchor’s Millfield care home manager Alison Corley.  

Alison said: “I could listen to Doreen talk about her fascinating life experiences all day.

"There’s one story that amazes me.  

“She was walking to her father’s shop in Moston when a German bomber plane came flying over at roof top level.

"She says she will never forget the moment she feared for her life, when her eyes locked with those of the pilot.” 

Doreen revealed her secret to reaching 103 is always keeping active by walking, climbing, anything that keeps your body moving.

She also said it’s down to having a good family around you.  

For more information on Anchor’s Millfield care home, please contact 0800 731 2020.

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