British geographic intelligence during the Second World War: a case study of the Canary Islands

Abstract

The Second World War led to significant developments in operational intelligence activities as the belligerent powers collected the geographic, military, and socio-economic information that was essential for planning military operations. Part of the British strategic agencies were dedicated to geographic intelligence through divisions, sections, and departments that analysed the terrain over which potential military movements could occur. This article provides an analysis of British reports on the Canary Islands as a case study of wartime geographic intelligence. It shows how the information collected supported the design and updating of British invasion plans on the islands between 1940 and 1943.