[CW] Enigma message

[D.J.J. Ring, Jr.]

The UKW = B machine is what is used,

The first group in the message is always uncoded and when the received
message is decoded, it is NOT entered.  The NAZI's called the first
part of that code group: "Kenngruppen" or "characteristic groups: It's
a verification code, like a check sum, the first three letters match
one of the Kenngruppen groups in the code book for the day, so the
other station knows the right code is being used, that group is
uncoded.

>From the code settings:

Date
23
Roller Position
V II III

Ring Positions (sometimes these were given in the Latin alphabet A=1,
Z=26) so convert if needed.

11 21 08 (which is in letters: KUH)

Plug Connections
EY DT KF MO XP HN WG ZL IV JA

Characteristic Groups
lsd nuo vcr vcx

MESSAGE FROM SANFRANCISCORADIO/KPH TO DECODE:

HQ FR FOCH 1914Z 100  BRV LTV

VCXTY JRVHA NNKMO FGKIG
OIPLM KVHVZ WDMIP XWRBX
JKDWT KGZZA IWJVN QUTJF
HPPWG KEDDQ QFEMT UKMQU
IDIGF YUAJB RPPWS IBJCV

The decoding key decoded from the last group after the word count: BRV LTV.

You set the Enigma to the daily settings given above and enter the key
"BRV" then you enter as code "LTV" then you take the decode of tht for
the message, and set it as the ring position.

The key is RHS so set RHS as starting rotor position and start
decoding...JRVHA into MYRIG  NNKMO into HTISH and so on.

You get RHS from setting rotors at BRV and decoding LTV into RHS.

Anyone got the message?

73

DR


On Mon, Jul 25, 2022 at 9:46 PM Bill KA8VIT <ka8vit at ka8vit.com> wrote:
>
> David N1EA...
>
> I was able to decrypt the message using the copy you supplied.
>
> The first group VCXTY is not decrypted.  It is in fact the daily key setting indicator, (kenngruppen).
>
> The "trick" is using the "B" reflector in the Enigma M3 machine or simulator.
>
> I did not see the reflector selection mentioned in any of the article texts or in the daily key settings and figured it out by trial and error.
>
> Still looking for a recording of the transmission if anyone may have it.
>
> Thanks.
>
> 73 - Bill KA8VIT / W8COD
>
>
> ====================================
> Bill Chaikin, KA8VIT
> Chief Radio Operator
> WW2 Submarine USS COD SS-224 (NECO)
>
> ka8vit at ka8vit.com
> http://ka8vit.com
> http://www.usscod.org
> ====================================