About this event
When: Thursday 21 August, 5.15pm to 8pm
Prepare to step into the realm of strategy and secrets at our next Museum Late event: Decoded: Wars & Spies. Discover hidden wartime heroes, and challenge your brain with our Alan-Turing inspired Enigmaze activity; a series of codebreaker games hidden throughout our musuem. Not up to the mission? Enjoy a fascinating talk by our mystery guest speakers as they uncover the world of espionage and encryption.
About the talk: How can I tell my boss I’ve set Europe ablaze?
In July 1940, Prime Minister Winston Churchill is famously recorded as ordering the fledgling Special Operations Executive (SOE) to “Set Europe ablaze”. With his personal backing, often ruffling the feathers of long established Intelligence agencies, they proceeded to do exactly that. But as an agent in enemy territory how do you communicate with London – request supplies, pass information or arrange to be picked up?
From their origins at St Ermins Hotel Westminster in 1940, SOE sought out a disparate collection of technicians and craftsmen to invent, develop and manufacture a multitude of specialist items to carry out the brief handed down by Winston Churchill.
In this talk will give an outline of the difficulties of clandestine radio communication in the 1940’s – without getting too technical.
About the speakers: Peter Evans & David Hill
Peter Evans: Was a member of the Territorial Army in the late 1960’s through to the late eighties. Interested in British military history from very early age, inspired by his father who had joined the Royal Flying Corps in 1917. Enjoys reviewing the technical aspects of SOE equipment, and is currently researching Women’s WW1 services, alongside collecting Army rank, trade and proficiency badges. Most of his working life was spent at Ford Motor Company where he had various finance/accounting roles until early retirement in 2009.
David Hill QVRM, VR: Began his working life in the 1980s as a Royal Marine. Following this, he joined the reserves and was raised to the rank of Colour Sergeant, before beginning his 30 year career in the London Fire Brigade. After retiring from the LFB in 2024, he rejoined the Royal Marines on a full-time reserve basis. To-date, David holds 42 consecutive years of service to his country. He enjoys history, geography, whisky, and his private SOE collection.
Highlights of the evening include:
- Challenging and exciting puzzles in our Enigmaze
- Speaker-led talk on the world of spies and espionage
- After-hours exploration: enjoy the unique opportunity to wander the museum after hours, soaking in the ambiance and the exhibits.
Essential Information:
- Doors open at 5.15pm
- Talk in the Cinema from 6pm to 7pm. Booking for the talk is essential as limited spaces are available. Latecomers not guaranteed entry
- Last admission at 7.30pm
- Event ends at 8pm
Don't miss this chance to put your spy skills to the test at this exciting limited-time event!
