The basics
Quick facts
Intro
Director General of MI5
Gender:
Male
Birth:
9 September 1879
Death:
7 August 1961
The details
Biography
Introduction
Sir David Petrie KCMG CIE CVO CBE KPM (9 September 1879 – 7 August 1961) was director general (DG) of MI5, the United Kingdom's internal security service, from 1941 to 1946. He was described as "a rugged and kindly Scot, with...immense physical and moral strength".
Biography
Petrie worked in the Indian Imperial Police between 1900 and 1936. His highest level in British India was to chair the Union Public Service Commission. In April 1941, he was appointed Director General of MI5. His task was to reorganise the service so that it could improve its efficiency. In the spring of 1946, Petrie retired.