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Background to This Project
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The Writing of The Australian Intelligence Corps History.
| As a former member of the Australian
Regular Army and also in the Army Reserve, I am aware of the
imperative to get an official history of the Australian Intelligence Corps
completed. This imperative, to my knowledge, has continued for well
over 20 years. During that time there have been several attempts at "writing
the book". Coulthard-Clark, C.D. (Christopher David 1951 - )was the first to publish a monograph in 1976 entitled "The Citizen General Staff. The Australian Intelligence Corps 1907-1914." The limited first edition consists of 95 pages and includes 12 illustrations, 2 maps, 1 chart, appendices, key intelligence appointments 1907-1940, ex-members of the AIC who served with the AIF, awards of ex-members of AIC, nominal roll of members of AIC 1907-1914, It is now out of print, although soft cover and hard-back versions can still be found. Chris Coulthard-Clark has many publications to his credit and many references can be found to his work on the internet and throughout Australian Libraries. Arthur Anthony Page, Colonel RL is an author of the recently published book "Between Victor and Vanquished" that details his experiences as an interrogator of the Japanese PWs during WWII. Colonel Page has already offered his support to this project. All writers, authors, note scribblers who submit information will all be formally acknowledged in this book. We are not just revering those with recognised published works; this is open to everyone. There are those other authors who, either by way of their own interest and commitment, have already spent an inordinate length of time conducting their own researches; perhaps in the belief that they will have some support for their endeavours once they have demonstrated their interest - only to find that support resources are not available. Some had already committed themselves to this task, with limited sponsorship, only to find that their personal circumstances precluded them from advancing further. Others have made it a hobby to research and write about the History of The Corps without ever publishing.... These people should be praised for the interest they show. The reason in making you aware of these points is to demonstrate that there are a number of people already working on the content of this project - in some cases without realising it, because it is a hobby; for others, it is much more formal. In an effort to bring structure to this project I have accepted the position of editor. I receive no funding, although that won't make me stop from trying! - either from university and government sources. Already, I am aware of several people who should be major contributing authors and I welcome them openly. I also welcome input from anyone into this project no matter how inconsequential you think your role is in the History of The Australian Intelligence Corps. .
Dr Nicholas Chantler Ph.D |