The First World War
By 1914, the Canadian Corps of Guides totalled some 500 all
ranks. Given that their mounted scout role appeared
inappropriate for war in Europe, many of the personnel serving
with the Corps of Guides were absorbed into existing units and
formations in the Canadian Army. Others became Intelligence
staff officers and NCOs serving with the British Intelligence
Corps. Some continued to serve in Canada with the Canadian Corps
of Guides.
The Intelligence system created within the First Canadian
Division prior to its deployment to France in 1915 served as the
basis for the development of Intelligence structures generally
throughout the Canadian Corps. Intelligence personnel exploited
reports from ground and aerial observers, patrols, aerial
photography, Prisoners of War (PWs), and captured enemy
documents. They conducted intelligence preparation of the
battlefield activities and issued regular INTSUMs.
Cyclist Companies and Intelligence
Intelligence personnel serving with the Canadian
Expeditionary Force performed infantry, liaison and
reconnaissance duties in one of the five cyclist companies
established - one per Division - in the Canadian Army. During
the great advance of 1918, these personnel suffered numerous
casualties as they attempted to keep the Canadian command in
touch with rapidly changing circumstances on the battlefield.
Other Intelligence officers and NCOs performed intelligence
duties in HQs in the Canadian Corps, from Corps down to Brigade
level. A Counter-espionage Section, known as Intelligence (b),
was created in 1918 to counter the threat posed by enemy agents.
Inter-War Years
After the War, a position for a Director of Military
Operations and Intelligence was maintained in the Canadian Army.
Corps of Guides units in Canada were converted to cyclist
companies charged with protecting the main force form surprise
during time of war. After disbandment of these companies on 31
March 1929, a small staff in Ottawa and some Districts performed
Intelligence duties. In 1932, Intelligence staffs of the RCAF
and Army were amalgamated. A proposal in March 1938 by DMOI,
Colonel Crerar, which would have led to creation of a Joint
Service Intelligence Section in Ottawa, was not accepted. |