Bletchley Park, Hitler and the BBC: The Story of Rena Stewart
Location:
National Army Museum
Date & time:
Friday 30 May 2025, 12.00pm - 1:00pm
Price:
Free
Author Victoria Walsh introduces the fascinating story of Rena Stewart (1923-2023), from Bletchley Park to translator of Hitler’s will and then BBC pioneer.
About the event
After graduating from St Andrews University in 1943, Rena signed up for the Auxiliary Territorial Service. Her fluency in German resulted in her being selected for Bletchley Park, where she translated secret German messages. Immediately in the aftermath of the war, she was sent to Germany with the Intelligence Corps to translate the statements of captured Nazi officers.
Whilst in Germany, she was selected for an extra, top-secret mission: to translate Hitler’s will, delving into the tale of Hitler’s two wills. On her return to England, she began a stellar career at the BBC World Service, eventually becoming the newsroom’s first female Senior Duty Editor.
Additional information
Tickets are free but please visit the National Army Museum website to book your place.
About the speaker
Victoria Walsh is a writer with a passion for people stories. A linguist and communications professional by background, Victoria has always enjoyed writing, and engaging with people from all walks of life. ‘The Story of Rena Stewart’ is her second biography and will be published by Pen and Sword History on 30 May.
FAQs
Is the National Army Museum accessible?Yes, the National Army Museum is fully accessible. If you need further access information or help please do get in touch at info@nam.ac.uk or call 020 7730 0717,
Bikes (including folding bikes) and scooters are not permitted. There are bike racks located along Royal Hospital Road. These can be used to secure any bikes and scooters.
Please do not secure any bikes or scooters to the railings outside the Royal Hospital Chelsea or Burton Court. Any items secure to these railings will be removed.
What’s on
Check out more events at this venue
Walking Tour: Queer Chelsea
- 17 May 2025, 11.00am
- National Army Museum
- £20.00
Explore the fascinating history of the queer community in Chelsea with expert guide Dan de la Motte.
More info
Dementia-friendly Object Handling
- 20 May 2025, 2.00pm
- National Army Museum
- Free
Join us for this workshop designed for people with dementia and their carers, and get hands-on with a range of objects spanning the Army's history.
More info
Walking Tour: Americans in Chelsea
- 1 June 2025, 11.30am
- National Army Museum
- £20.00
Explore Americans’ intertwined history with Chelsea from their time as colonists to rebels to the closest of allies with tour guide Lisa Lu.
More info
Napoleon: Man vs Myth
- 18 June 2025, 5.30pm
- National Army Museum
- £20.00 to £25.00
Join our panel of experts, including the co-editors of 'Napoleonic Objects and Their Afterlives', to get to the heart of who Napoleon Bonaparte really was.
More info