What was British army intelligence unit A-2 ...

[corisande]

As with most Intelligence officers, one can find out much about their lives before and after the war, but not much during it.

My notes on Ralph Heyward Isham are here - click link

I am interested in finding more about his life from Sep 1916 (when he arrived in England) to the point he left Intelligence

Facts are fairly sparse.

1916 Sep. Arrives in UK. No record of a commission in LG

1917 Lands France from MIC

1918. Isham's was head of a British army intelligence unit known as A-2, G.H.Q. When British soldiers were not demobilized immediately after the armistice in November of 1918, some disgruntled troops conducted "strikes" and refused to parade or obey orders. Isham's work in dealing with disaffection among troops at his command was brought to the attention of Field Marshall William Robertson who appointed Isham to his staff in 1918 to investigate and suppress Bolshevik activities which were believed to be responsible for the strikes. In order to assist him in accomplishing these goals, Robertson authorized the formation of the A-2 branch at General Headquarters. Isham was named director with a major and six other officers under his command. Through undercover investigations of suspected Bolsheviks and lectures to troops on the dangers of Bolshevism, the A-2 Branch was successful in ending and preventing strikes among servicemen. Subsequently, the A-2 Branch was placed within the Home Office so that Isham could conduct investigations and take disciplinary action against non-military British citizens who were believed to be involved in traitorous activities.

1919 Jan 7. Temp. 2nd Lt. R. H. Isham, R.E., to be temp. Capt. (without pay or allowances of that rank), whilst spec, empld.

1919 Mar 8. Temp. 2nd Lt. (temp. Capt.) R. H. Isham, R.E.. to be temp. Lt.-Col. whilst specially empld.

1919 Sep 4. Arrives in UK from New York on SS Lapland. He is given as an "army officer"

1919 Nov 26. Churchill, in his capacity as Secretary of State for War, writes to C. G. S. Home Forces and authorizes the dispatch of an aide to Dublin. The brief missive, penned on a lined sheet, reads in full: "Col. Isham is authorized to proceed to Dublin under instructions from the Home Secretary. Please take the necessary steps." It is signed "WCS" in black fountain pen.

1920 Feb 4. The undermentioned relinquish their commns. on completion of service: Lt. R. H. Isham, C.B.E., and is granted the rank of Lt.- Col.

1920 Sep 19. Arrives in UK from Rio de Janeiro on SS Almanzora. He is given as "Financier"

At this point he has received a CBE that does not seem to be gazetted (I am satisfied that it was awarded) and is working for Basil Thomson in Intelligence operations. Isham appears to have handled the British spy Byrne in Ireland.

Little appears to have been written about "A 2" or Isham at this time. Anyone help or point me at any references

(I am aware of his file WO 374/36538 and I have not read it yet, as I will not be in TNA for some months)