Allied Intelligence Bureau facts for kids

The Allied Intelligence Bureau (AIB) was a secret group formed during World War II. It brought together people from the United States, Australia, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Their main job was to gather information and carry out special missions behind enemy lines.

The AIB worked against Japanese forces in the South West Pacific. They sent spies and commandos to collect secrets. They also tried to weaken the enemy through guerrilla warfare, which is a type of fighting where small groups use surprise attacks.

The AIB started in June 1942. Its goal was to organize all the existing Allied groups that were doing propaganda and guerrilla work. Colonel C. G. Roberts was the first leader of the AIB. At its busiest, the AIB included members from ten different military services. It managed or coordinated eight separate organizations.

The AIB's main tasks were to learn about the enemy. They also aimed to "weaken the enemy by sabotage and destruction of morale." They helped local efforts to do the same in areas controlled by the enemy. One important member was Alfred Deakin Brookes. He later became the first head of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service in May 1952. The AIB was officially closed down when the war ended.

How the AIB Was Organized

The AIB was split into four main parts. Each part focused on a different kind of secret operation. These sections were called A, B, C, and D.

A Section: Special Operations

A Section was known as Special Operations Australia. Later, it was called the Services Reconnaissance Department. This section focused on gathering information and carrying out commando missions. Commandos are special soldiers trained for dangerous, quick attacks. Major G. Egerton Mott was the first commander of A Section.

B Section: Secret Intelligence

B Section was all about gathering secret intelligence. This means collecting hidden information about the enemy. It was also known as Secret Intelligence Australia (SIA). Captain R. Kendall, from the British Navy, was in charge of B Section.

C Section: Field Intelligence

C Section collected information directly from the field. They used people like Coastwatchers, local people, and civilians. Coastwatchers were observers who reported on enemy movements. Commander Eric Feldt, from the Royal Australian Naval Volunteer Reserve, led C Section.

D Section: Propaganda Efforts

D Section was the Far Eastern Liaison Office. Its main job was propaganda. Propaganda involves spreading information to influence people's opinions. This could be to lower enemy morale or boost friendly morale. Commander J. C. Proud, also from the RANVR, commanded D Section.

See also

• G-2 (intelligence)
• Netherlands East Indies Forces Intelligence Service
• Office of Strategic Services
• Special Operations Executive
• Z Special Unit