Alan Turning is one of the pioneers of the computing industry, working at “Station X”, Bletchly Park during the 2nd World War cracking the Engima codes that helped shorten the war by 2 years.
However as a gay man in the 1940s, he was prosecuted under what is now antiquated, discriminatory laws, and forced by the government to undergo chemical castration. Turning committed suicide in 1954. He was never public recognised for his efforts.
However, a public petition is now underway, with almost 30,000 signatures on it at this stage, to ensure he is given official recognition for his work.
Turing stands as one of the great Computing giants of Britain, along with Sir Tim Berners-Lee (WWW), Lovelace (ADA), etc.
An apology was issued! Wow, the petition thing works.