Alan Turing was a British mathematician, computer scientist, logician, cryptanalyst, philosopher and theoretical biologist. He is widely considered to be one of the most influential figures in the development of modern computing. He is best known for his work on the Enigma machine during World War II, which helped the Allies break German codes and ultimately win the war. He also made major contributions to the development of artificial intelligence, and is often referred to as the father of modern computing. Turing was posthumously awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1966 for his services to the country.