by Kyle Schroeder

Almost everyone has heard of the infamous German Enigma machine, but only a handful know about the bigger and better British equivalent known as Typex.  Typex was a highly sophisticated cipher machine used by the British military during World War II, which, unlike Enigma, was never cracked.  In this episode, we explore the origin and development of the machine, dig into the mechanisms that make it work, and explain why it was so secure.  In addition, we examine its evolution over time, as well as its impact both during and after the war.

References

For More Information:

http://www.cryptomuseum.com/crypto/uk/typex/index.htm

http://chris-intel-corner.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-british-typex-cipher-machine.html

http://www.cryptomuseum.com/crypto/uk/typex/files/kelly.pdf

https://www.mitel.com/en-us/articles/encoded-communications-world-war-ii

Music:

All music was obtained from Purple Planet Music

https://www.purple-planet.com/

“Fearless”: https://www.purple-planet.com/inspirational

“Tranquility”: https://www.purple-planet.com/gentle

“Far and Wide”: https://www.purple-planet.com/chilled

“Awakening”: https://www.purple-planet.com/chilled

“Dream the Dream”: https://www.purple-planet.com/hope

Sound Effects:

The typewriter sound effect was obtained from Sound Jay Free Sound Effects https://www.soundjay.com/typewriter-sounds.html

Image:

Typex on display at Bletchley Park, photo by Tom Murphy VII