“Learn how to keep a good secret,” advises former code breaker and care home resident to mark International Women’s Day

Centenarian care home resident, Elizabeth Clifford, has shared her life advice with younger generations to celebrate International Women’s Day on 8 March.

Learn how to keep a good secret

… says Elizabeth, who turned 101 in February at Prince George Duke of Kent Court, in Chislehurst. After working as a code breaker during World War II, it is no surprise why this is her piece of advice!

Elizabeth, known to her family and friends as ‘Liz,’ grew up in Northumberland. She was 16 when World War II started and she joined the Women’s Royal Navy Service (the Wrens). Liz enjoyed her role although, sadly, she was not allowed to go to sea at the time. Instead, she was sent to Stanmore, in Middlesex, as a code breaker. She lived there with other Wrens, and continued in this role at Bletchley Park. She recalls:

We were all sworn to secrecy and we did not discuss what went on with anyone at all for many years.

Liz stayed in touch with many of her friends from this time. She even went back to Bletchley Park with her daughter a few years ago for a reunion with those that worked there.

When the war ended, Liz worked in an office in London, which she remarks was “ok, but rather mundane after the excitement of Bletchley.” She met her husband, Henry, at a tennis club at the age of 25 and they went on to have a daughter and twin sons. The family relocated to Alabama, US, for Henry’s work as a civil servant, but later returned to England and retired in Tenterden, in Kent.

Elizabeth Clifford featured with her husband Henry.

Liz encourages younger generations to…

Enjoy life, be kind, live honestly and to eat a good meal!

[Summary: Elizabeth Clifford is a 101 year old resident who lives at RMBI Care Co. Home Prince George Duke of Kent Court, in Chislehurst. She worked a code breaker during World War II. “Learn how to keep a good secret,” is her piece of advice for younger generations to mark International Women’s Day in 2024.]