The Imitation Game Timeline ( Real )

birth
June 23, 1912

Birth of Alan Turing

Alan Turing, the British mathematician and computer scientist featured in The Imitation Game, is born.

career_event
September 1939

Alan Turing begins work at Bletchley Park

Alan Turing joins the Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park to help break German Enigma codes during WWII.

technical_innovation
1940

Development of the Bombe machine

Turing and his team develop the Bombe machine, crucial for deciphering Enigma-encrypted messages.

legal_event
1952

Alan Turing's prosecution

Alan Turing is prosecuted for homosexuality, then criminalized in the UK.

death
June 7, 1954

Alan Turing's death

Alan Turing dies from cyanide poisoning, an apparent suicide.

The Imitation Game Timeline ( Fictional )

education
1926-10-01

Alan Turing Enrolls at Cambridge

Young Alan Turing begins his studies at Cambridge, showing early signs of his extraordinary intellect.

career
1939-09-01

Turing Joins Government Code and Cypher School

Alan Turing is recruited by the British government to work at Bletchley Park decoding German Enigma messages.

team_formation
1939-10-15

Turing Assembles a Team at Bletchley Park

Turing gathers a group of cryptanalysts despite initial resistance, including Joan Clarke.

innovation
1940-06-15

Turing Designs the Bombe Machine

Turing pioneers a machine to automate the decryption of Enigma-encrypted messages.

milestone
1940-12-05

Initial Decryption Successes Achieved

The team begins making breakthroughs in deciphering Enigma communications, providing valuable intelligence.

strategic_decision
1941-03-10

Decision to Limit Use of Decrypted Information

Turing convinces superiors to restrict some military actions to prevent the Germans from realizing Enigma is compromised.

personal
1941-07-20

Turing and Joan Clarke Become Engaged

In personal life, Turing and Clarke become engaged briefly, highlighting Turing's struggle with his sexuality.

milestone
1942-02-12

Bombe Machine Fully Operational

The Bombe machine is completed and begins consistent decoding of Enigma messages.

personal_crisis
1952-01-14

Turing Faces Investigation for Homosexuality

Post-war, Turing's secret life is revealed leading to an investigation and forced chemical castration.

tragedy
1954-06-07

Turing's Death

Alan Turing dies, an apparent suicide, marking a tragic end to his life after his contributions remain classified.