MI14 facts for kids
MI14, also known as British Military Intelligence, Section 14, was a special department of the British military. It was like a secret information-gathering group that worked for the War Office, which was in charge of the army. MI14's main job was to collect important facts and details about Germany, especially during Second World War.
At first, MI14 was just a small part of another group called MI3. But as the war went on, understanding Germany became super important. The experts in this German section were so good at finding and analyzing information that their work became vital for the war effort. Because of this, they were given their own special department, becoming MI14.
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How MI14 Gathered Secrets
MI14 used many ways to collect information. One of their most interesting and valuable methods was a secret operation code-named COLUMBA. This involved using pigeons!
Pigeons as Spies: Operation COLUMBA
Under Operation COLUMBA, MI14 would drop pigeons over countries that were controlled by Nazi Germany. These pigeons weren't just ordinary birds. They carried tiny spying kits! People on the ground who found these pigeons could write down important observations or draw maps. They would then attach these messages to the pigeons, and the birds would fly back to Britain with the valuable information. This was a very clever way to get secret reports from behind enemy lines.
What Happened to MI14?
MI14 no longer exists today. After the Second World War, its work was taken over by other intelligence groups.
Who Does This Work Now?
Today, the job of gathering secret information from other countries is handled by the Secret Intelligence Service, which is more commonly known as MI6. So, while MI14 is gone, its important work of protecting Britain by understanding other nations continues through MI6.
