Bletchley Park Picnic in Brickhill Woods, Summer 1945

After VE Day, code-breaking operations at Bletchley Park entered a new and final phase. Some staff were transferred to the continuing Japanese sections. Pam Downing and her Hut 6 colleagues seem to have embarked on a period of much needed respite and relaxation.

It is recorded in her mother’s diary that Pam was at home in Edgbaston from May 26-29 and again from Jun 4-12.

Two photographs of a full scale outing to Brickhill Woods in “late summer” 1945 have survived. Brickhill Woods is about half way between Woburn and Bletchley and was the chosen site for picnic and a communal game of rounders.

The photographs are not annotated with the identity of any of the names, but as well as Pamela, seated third from the left, seated first left is Joy Edwardes. She was to be the godmother to Pam’s oldest son.

Hut 6 Picnic & Rounders in Brickhill Woods, Summer 1945. Pamela Downing is seated third from the left

Hut 6 Picnic & Rounders in Brickhill Woods, Summer 1945. Pamela Downing is seated third from the left

Hut 6 Picnic & Rounders in Brickhill Woods, Summer 1945

Hut 6 Picnic & Rounders in Brickhill Woods, Summer 1945

We can assume that it was shortly after this social event that news of the Japanese surrender came in and Pamela received the following termination notice, dated 29 Aug 1945. As she was a civilian employed by the Foreign Office her contract was formally terminated and she was paid two months extra until 31 Oct 1945

P. Downing's Termination of Service Letter, 29 Aug 1945

P. Downing’s Termination of Service Letter, 29 Aug 1945