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

Peacekeepers

Over the years the Corps has provided personnel for a very diverse range of peacekeeping missions. From the mountains of Kashmir to the desert of Saudi Arabia and Namibia, and into the tropical regions of South East Asia and the Western Pacific, Corps personnel have undertaken peacekeeping duties. The Australian commitment to Timor saw a large effort by the Corps to provide support that was vital to the ultimate success of that operation.

A Captain delivering an intelligence briefing in Kigali, Rwanda, 1995

A Major of the Australian Intelligence Corps was awarded the Bravery Medal for saving a life in the early stages of the Timor operations. He and an Australian Federal Police Officer were attempting to locate two foreign journalists amid growing violence when they encountered about ten dissidents armed with spears and machetes. They were escorted to a hill where about sixty people in a state of grief and agitation stood around the body of a man who had bled to death from a single gunshot to the shoulder. While the crowd was telling them the man had been shot by police earlier in the day, the local police commander arrived with a priest and a government representative. The crowd became very agitated and as the police commander attempted to depart, four men armed with spears, swords and machetes attacked him. The Australian Major and Federal Police Officer wrestled with the men and prevented the police commander from being struck as he fled the scene. A group of about four men gave chase and the Major set off after them whilst Federal Police Officer attempted to retain control of the remainder. A man with a sword was attacking the prone police commander when the Major placed himself between the two, then picked up the commander and retreated down the hill. The Federal Police Officer rejoined the Australian Major about fifteen minutes later, reporting that the group was under control and was leaving.



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