A replica Bombe machine based on those that cracked 'unbreakable' Nazi Enigma codes during the Second World War was unveiled to the public for the first time by BCS patron HRH Duke of Kent, to mark 50 years of the organisation.

The Bombe forms the centrepiece of a newly-opened dedicated display at Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes - the historic site for British World War 2 code breaking activities. It was completed by the BCS-funded Computer Conservation Society.

The unveiling day, in July, also commemorated the efforts of the machines' WRN operatives during the war and their contribution to the early history of computing.

Nigel Shadbolt and Bombe operatives 
Nigel Shadbolt and Bombe operatives

Nigel Shadbolt, John Harper - director  of the Bombe rebuild and  HRH Duke of Kent at the Bombe
Nigel Shadbolt, John Harper - director of the Bombe rebuild and HRH Duke of Kent at the Bombe

BCS president Nigel Shadbolt  addressing the assembled audience
BCS president Nigel Shadbolt addressing the assembled audience

Members of BCSWomen with some original Bombe operatives
Members of BCSWomen with some original Bombe operatives