A short history of the Australian Intelligence Corps
Introduction -- Federation -- Formation of the Corps -- World War 1
Between the World Wars -- World War 2 -- Asian Engagements -- Vietnam
Peacekeepers -- Reservists, Regulars & The Future
Official Contributers
Federation
The Federation of the Commonwealth of Australia on the 1st of January 1901, saw the birth of The Australian Army. In February 1902, the Colonial Defence Committee in London, advised the General Officer Commanding the Commonwealth Military Forces, Major General Sir Edward Hutton, that he would require a headquarters staff of thirteen officers, of which three should be British. Hutton initially proposed a staff of twelve, but Australian budgetary constraints forced him to accept a staff of eight officers, none of whom were from the British Army. In Hutton's headquarters, responsibility for intelligence fell to the 'Assistant Quartermaster General', whose other duties included military organisation, mobilisation and topography. This position was one of three which the Colonial Defence Committee had insisted could not be adequately filled by other than a British officer. The first Australian Assistant Quartermaster General was Major William Bridges.
Almost immediately Bridges, acting on a request from the War Office in London, embarked on his second espionage expedition. Under the guise of a commercial agent for the Dalgety Company, he collected information on French land defences and potential naval anchorages in Noumea.
In 1904 it was decided to establish a 'Military Board' to command the Army, and to abolish the position of General Officer Commanding. Bridges was appointed Chief of Intelligence on the inaugural Military Board when it convened on the 12th January 1905. The term 'Chief of Intelligence' was a misnomer, as his responsibilities were far more wide ranging than just intelligence duties.
Introduction -- Federation -- Formation of the Corps -- World War 1
Between the World Wars -- World War 2 -- Asian Engagements -- Vietnam
Peacekeepers -- Reservists, Regulars & The Future
Official Contributers
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