MI5 C Branch
C Branch is a defunct division of MI5.
History
C Branch was created in 1938, initially with only one officer, with responsibility for vetting candidates for sensitive Civil Service positions, and foreign-born candidates for commissions in the armed forces.[1] C Division retained responsibility for vetting in MI5's reorganisation of 1941.[2] In Dick White's 1953 reorganisation, C branch retained responsibility for protective security.[3] In MI5's organisation as of 1994, C Branch was incorporated into D Branch.[4]
ICON exercise
C Branch devised and controlled an exercise codenamed ICON, a simulation of a terrorist attack on Stansted Airport which took place on 10 April 1973. The police, armed services, ministers and officials all took part. According to Christopher Andrew, the Home Office Police Department subsequently took over responsibility for counter-terrorist exercises, but C Branch continued to play a central role.[5]
Directors
- H. I. Allen, c.1941.[6]
- Michael Hanley, c.1965.[7]
Other officers
- David Sutherland[8]
- Julian Faux, c.1971[9]
Notes
- ↑ Christopher Andrew, Defence of the Realm, The Authorized History of MI5, Allen Lane, 2009, p.134.
- ↑ Christopher Andrew, Defence of the Realm, The Authorized History of MI5, Allen Lane, 2009, p.237.
- ↑ Christopher Andrew, Defence of the Realm, The Authorized History of MI5, Allen Lane, 2009, p.327.
- ↑ Christopher Andrew, Defence of the Realm, The Authorized History of MI5, Allen Lane, 2009, p.864.
- ↑ Christopher Andrew, Defence of the Realm, The Authorized History of MI5, Allen Lane, 2009, p.615.
- ↑ Christopher Andrew, Defence of the Realm, The Authorized History of MI5, Allen Lane, 2009, p.237.
- ↑ Christopher Andrew, Defence of the Realm, The Authorized History of MI5, Allen Lane, 2009, p.536.
- ↑ Christopher Andrew, Defence of the Realm, The Authorized History of MI5, Allen Lane, 2009, p.613.
- ↑ Christopher Andrew, Defence of the Realm, The Authorized History of MI5, Allen Lane, 2009, p.607.
