Millfield care home resident who helped crack Enigma code celebrates 103rd birthday

Doreen Brooks, a resident at Millfield care home in Oldham who helped crack the Enigma code, has celebrated turning 103. 

Doreen was previously given her purple plaque in honour and recognition of her incredible service during the Second World War. Born on July 17 1921, she 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 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. 

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