Oswald Allen Harker

Oswald Allen Harker
Oswald Allen Harker ; (soldier, spook);
Born	1886; Cirencester, UK
Died	1968 (Age 81)
Nationality	British
	Acting Director General of MI5
In office
	June 1940 - April 1941
Preceded by	Vernon Kell
Succeeded by	David Petrie
	Reportedly ineffective.
	Deputy Director General of MI5
In office
	April 1940 - 1946
Boss	Oswald Allen Harker, David Petrie
Succeeded by	Guy Liddell

Brigadier Oswald "Jasper" Harker C.B.E. served as Acting Director General of the Security Service (MI5) from 1940 to 1941.^[1]

Background

Oswald Allen Harker was born in Cirencester in 1886, the son of James Allen Harker, professor at the Royal Agricultural College, and his wife Lizzie Allen Harker. His younger brother was Brigadier Arthur William Allen Harker CBE.

Harker became Deputy Director General of MI5 when Sir David Petrie was appointed as permanent head of the service in 1941. He retired in 1946.^[2]^[3]

Many thanks to our Patrons who cover ~2/3 of our hosting bill. Please join them if you can.