The truth about breaking the enigma code

Machine Enigma, wikimedia commons, 1940

Editor's Note: Hollywood's history sometimes omits salient facts, opting for the broad-brushed version of a story.  But the details are often those that enlighten us the most, as they do in this story of the Polish contribution to code-breaking during World War II and given to us by Joseph Boltrukiewicz. 

Boltrukiewicz' article is important history with contemporary lessons.  His narrative serves as a reminder of how nations enlist the collaborative efforts of the best talent to solve complex problems during war, no matter where those efforts may come. It also allows us all to acknowledge the contributions of others whom we may not know about who may have the expertise in solving those problems others cannot. as well in winning wars or capturing an enemy that may not be easily found.  Boltrukiewicz helps us realize that from someone or some thing outside of one's national borders might come the key to victory when location and tactics of an elusive enemy are needed.