Historic computer rebuild

Relying on a just a few photo’s and scraps of diagrams a dedicated team of volunteers at Bletchley Park has rebuilt the world’s first programmable electronic computer. The project began in the early 1990’s and its completion will be celebrated at a special ceremony in the summer of 2007. To commemorate this historic achievement Bletchley Park’s tiny post office will be issuing a limited edition first day cover for the “World of Invention” stamp issue on 1st March 2007.

The first Colossus computer was designed and built by a team of post office engineers led by Tommy Flowers. Flowers had a narrow escape from internment whilst in Berlin in September 1939 to discuss valve technology. His first design using 1500 valves was installed in Bletchley Park in 1943 for the purpose of cracking Adolf Hitler’s personal codes. By June 1944 machines using 2000 valves were cracking German High Command codes to make the D-Day landings possible. By 1946 no trace of these colossal computers existed in case a cold war enemy discovered such advanced technology.

The first day cover features a montage of rare photos showing a Colossus at work during World War Two and the completed rebuild. The stamp set will be cancelled on its first day of issue by a postmark featuring a valve from Colossus. The whole combination forms a unique little piece of art and history for anyone with an interest in computers. Just 1000 of these individually numbered limited edition covers will be released. Proceeds will go towards preserving Bletchley Park as a heritage site. The British Computer Society has already donated £75,000 GBP to the creation of a National Computer Museum there.

The cover can be ordered on line from www.bletchleycovers.com and costs £12.50 GBP ($25US) plus £1.50 UK post and packing. The web site also features simulations of a Colossus computer. Orders can also be placed by phone +44 (0)1908 631797/272690 or mail to Bletchley Park Post Office, The Mansion, Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes , MK3 6EB, UK.
ENDS

Note to editor: Jpegs of cover available if required.