Code hero was afraid she'd talk in sleep.

A 92-YEAR-OLD woman who interpreted German intelligence during World War II has been honoured by the Prime Minister.

Mair Eluned Russell-Jones worked at Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire, for three years from 1942. It was the main site for decrypting ciphers and codes, including those created by the German Enigma machine.

She was stationed in a small hut with about 20 other women, where she sat in front of a machine and decrypted the German code coming in.

She said: "We were sworn to secrecy and the landlord seemed very interested in what we were doing.

"I thought maybe he was listening at the door in case we talked in our sleep. I was afraid to go to sleep and became ill as a result."

Russell-Jones, from Caerphilly, south Wales, received a Government Code and Cipher School certificate, signed by Gordon Brown, and a commemorative badge earlier this month.

She said: "I remember it was really, really boring just sitting there watching the letters coming through and trying to sort it out.

"However, when a code was broken, it was so exciting - but it only happened about once a week.

"When I was there, I really felt I was making a contribution to the war effort. It was all worth it."

Russell-Jones was one of more than 1500 Bletchley Park veterans to receive the commemorative badge and a certificate, expressing thanks for her contribution to the war effort.

She has been married to the Rev Thomas Russell-Jones, 91, for 63 years. The couple have five children, 15 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

CAPTION(S):

Honoured: Mair