DIE ONTWIKKELING VAN 'N MILITÊRE INLIGTINGSVERMOË VIR DIE UNIEVERDEDIGINGSMAG, 1937-1943

  • M.C. Van Deventer Departement Krygsgeskiedenis, Militêre Akademie
Keywords: Union Defence Force, military intelligence, Director Intelligence (Civilian Security), Deputy Director Military Intelligence, Mobile Field Force (MFF), Section Ix, information, intelligence, security, censorship

Abstract

Upon the establishment of the Union Defence Force in 1912, no provision was made for a military intelligence capability. During the First World War various so-called intelligence units were raised and a Military Intelligence function was established within the General Staff section. After the war, this function went into gradual decline. By 1937, a renewed interest in intelligence resulted in the part-time appointment of Lieutenant Colonel B.W.Thwaites as head of Military Intelligence.

After the declaration of war in 1939, Military Intelligence experienced a rapid growth. Intelligence officers were trained as such and agents were recruited. The Military Intelligence organization was divided into two upon the appointment of a Director Intelligence (Civilian Security) and a Deputy Director Military Intelligence. After initial organizational problems, an Intelligence Clearance Bureau was established. The Intelligence Directorate was disbanded and only the Military Intelligence Sub-directorate continued to exist. An Intelligence Corps was developed for the Mobile Field Force (MFF), from a "shadow structure" named Section Ix within Military Intelligence. In 1943, Military Intelligence was upgraded to a full directorate and was responsible for information, intelligence, security and censorship.

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Published
2012-02-13
How to Cite
Van Deventer, M. (2012). DIE ONTWIKKELING VAN ’N MILITÊRE INLIGTINGSVERMOË VIR DIE UNIEVERDEDIGINGSMAG, 1937-1943. Scientia Militaria - South African Journal of Military Studies, 25(2). https://doi.org/10.5787/25-2-250
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Articles