Colossus

The First Digital Computer

The Colossus, created 80 years ago for code-breaking during World War II, holds the distinction of being the first digital computer.

One fascinating aspect of its history is a memo describing the Colossus as one of two competing options. While the memo acknowledged it as a "much more ambitious scheme," the recommendation was to pursue both options.

This "both-and" thinking preserved optionality, which ultimately led to the Colossus playing a pivotal role in convincing Hitler that the Allies would invade from Pas De Calais rather than Normandy.

Learn more in the following GCHQ article: GCHQ celebrates 80 years of Colossus