The Story of Rena Stewart (Hardback)
Bletchley Park Girl, Translator of Hitler's Will, and BBC Pioneer
Imprint: Pen & Sword History
Pages: 160
Illustrations: 50 mono illustrations
ISBN: 9781036133900
Published: 12th May 2025
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Soldier, journalist and centenarian: a triple badge of honour, especially for a woman. Introducing Rena Stewart (1923–2023), a remarkable, 100-year-old Bletchley Park Girl who translated Hitler’s will and blazed a trail for women at the BBC. The Story of Rena Stewart narrates Rena’s fascinating tale, in her own words, and is a testament to a life that was seriously well lived.
On graduating from St Andrews University in 1943, Scottish linguist Rena and her friend Agnes decided to ‘do something about the war’. They signed up for the Auxiliary Territorial Service and were posted to Bletchley Park, where Rena processed secret German messages. At the end of the war, Rena and her Bletchley chums were sent to Germany, to translate the statements of captured Nazi officers. There, she and another friend, Margery, were also given a top-secret task: to translate Hitler’s personal will.
Career woman Rena had, however, always wanted to work in the media. On her return to England, she managed to secure a lowly position as a clerk at the BBC World Service. She worked her way up from there, including spending ten years listening in to Russian Cold War broadcasts. Finally, she became the first female Senior Duty Editor in the World Service newsroom. ‘My greatest achievement,’ she declared with pride, ‘has been getting people to recognise that a woman can be as good a journalist as a man’.
Alongside Rena’s story, this book delves into the lives of her closest Bletchley friends and uncovers intriguing historical mysteries from her remarkable century of life.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Jeanne Schutts
I’m so glad Rena Stewart’s story was documented. It is crucial for people to realize that women have played important roles throughout history. Rena was an exceptional woman and who led an extraordinary life. I knew nothing about her until I was offered a copy of this book to review and I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn about her and the people around her.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Mona M
I didn't know who Rena Stewart was but I always love learning about amazing women from antiquity to modern times. And just something about Rena's photo on the cover drew me in, so I decided to read the book.
I am so glad I did! Rena Stewart was, still is in my heart after reading this book, a vibrant, intelligent and strong woman who not only trailblazed female journalist careers at the BBC, but played a key role in translating Hitler's Will! But those accomplishments aside, it's the way she approached her life, her connections and how she achieved those feats that really stood out to me. Her strength and her warmth are inspiring!
The author did such a brilliant job bringing us not only the details of her life, but capturing her voice. In the majority of the book, Rena is telling us her story using her own words with side commentary or added notes by the author bringing us more details or adding context. The way it's done fully engages the readers and made me personally feel as if I was sitting with 100-year old Rena as she told the story.
I especially appreciated the author's attention to detail. While Rena's story is the main focus of the book, the author included more to help us really get to know the amazing woman. From photos to her relationships and friendships and even a playlist of her favourite songs, it was just so easy to get immersed in this.
All in all, I am honoured to have learned about Rena. I really wish she got a chance to read the book herself as unfortunately she passed away during the process, but I know she'd appreciate every word.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Susan Benedict
A fascinating true story of the woman who was asked to translate Hitler’s will, process secret German messages and so much more. Very well researched.
Having been previously unaware of Rena's extraordinary story, I was enjoyed learning about her experiences, particularly her vital role in the codebreaking efforts at Bletchley Park. The writing adopts an accessible and conversational tone, making it a readable story for a wide audience.
NetGalley, Stephanie M
I would particularly recommend The Story of Rena Stewart to history enthusiasts interested in World War II intelligence and the untold stories of the individuals who shaped its course.
About Victoria Walsh
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. Victoria published her first book – the humorous countryside biography 'Unbelievable! A Working Country Life' – in 2023.
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