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THE SUPPORT ARMS AND SERVICES (4)
No. 77. Intelligence Corps
Sergeant: Combat Dress
Major: Mess Dress
Background: Intelligence and Security Section
From a watercolour painting by William R. Younghusband.
Postcard No. 77 INTELLIGENCE CORPS
There has always been the need for specialists to gather field
intelligence and among the fore-runners of the Corps were the 'Corps of
Guides' formed in 1801. Field Intelligence units were established in the
South African War 1899-1902, and the outbreak of World War 1 saw the
formation of an Intelligence Corps. Despite its valuable service during
the war, the Intelligence Corps was rapidly run down when the war ended,
and was finally disbanded in 1929. in July 1940, the Intelligence Corps
was reformed by Royal Warrant.
The Intelligence Corps gilt badge is worn in a Cyprus green beret. The
sergeant shown here is carrying out a reconnaissance mission as is wearing
combat clothing with 'skeleton' webbing equipment. He has with him his
SA80 rifle and a pair of binoculars.
Green has always been the predominant colour of the intelligence service
and is reflected here in the colour of the major's Mess Dress. The collar
badges are silver as worn in the officer's beret and are smaller than the
gilt badges of the soldiers. Officers of Field Rank (Major and above) wear
spurs as a recognition of the World War 1 mounted sections. Some 25% of
the Corps hold commissioned ranks of which 40% have been promoted from the
ranks.
In the background is shown a formation headquarters intelligence or
security section with computer and map. Because of the nature of some of
the operational tasks of the Corps many of its members frequently wear
civilian clothes. Some 20% of the Corps are female.
Published 1993
Copyright © 1993 Published by Geoff White Ltd.
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