Cryptography During Ww2

“Calling Base Point...300 right, 400 short, shell Mach One” (How Radio). This type of coded language accurately embodies the techniques used by both radio operators, often referred to as “radiomen” and message coders, or cryptographers, utilized during World War Two. Advances in cryptography facilitated more secure communications on both fronts. Combined with new portable radio technology and skilled operators, the outcome of World War Two was changed. Contrary to popular belief, no single invention can claim the honor of ending the Second World War; rather, it was a collection of communications and cryptographic equipment and the men and women that risked their lives on and off the battlefield. Cryptography is the main reason both sides

The epitome of portable radio technology on the Allies’ side was the SCR-300 mobile transceiver. This radio boasted a range of 5 miles and was used by members of almost every branch of the military. Though it initially lacked waterproofing, its weight of 25-30 pounds meant that it could be easily packaged and carried between two locations (“World War II”). In addition to the traditional radio equipment that was improved upon in the War, powerful object-tracking technology was refined and used successfully for the first time in history. This technology became known as Radio Detection and Ranging, or RADAR. RADAR had the ability to detect small objects from several miles away. The first largely successful and practical use of radar technology came in 1943, with the successful detection of a fleet of U-boats from thirteen nautical miles away (Buderi 157). With the successful detection of German U-boats by the Allies, they could warn ships in the area of the impending danger and perhaps save hundreds of lives and tons of cargo. RADAR was designed to augment the highly skilled watchmen deployed at various points serving in different capacities. RADAR’s chief advantage was the ability to see through water, which was previously a nearly impossible task. RADAR also gained fame among civilians once the technology was improved. Robert Buderi argues that “Time [Magazine] had been right in deciding on a cover story about [RADAR]. No single technology was more versatile, or had a more pervasive reach or a more devastating effect on the enemy” (Buderi 249). As RADAR technology was very influential in detecting approaching enemy ships and aircraft, it can easily be argued that “the atomic bomb only ended [World War II]. [RADAR] won it” (Buderi 246). The new technologies developed and implemented during the course of World War Two changed the outcome by facilitating fast communication and providing advance notice regarding the status of the