About David Petrie
Lived 1879 – 1961 (aged 81). David Petrie was an Indian police officer.
Sir David Petrie (9 September 1879 – 7 August 1961) was Director General (DG) of MI5, the United Kingdom's internal security service, from 1941 to 1946.
Biography Petrie worked in the Indian Imperial Police from 1900 serving in a variety of police intelligence roles. He headed the Delhi Intelligence Bureau of the Indian Police and served as the Chairman of the Indian Public Service Commission until 1936. After the outbreak for the World War II he joined the Army Intelligence Corps.
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.
He was awarded Order of the Yugoslav Crown and other decorations.
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Important facts
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Frequently asked questions
Who was David Petrie?
Director General of MI5 (1879–1961)
When was David Petrie born?
David Petrie was born on 9 September 1879 in Banffshire.
When did David Petrie die?
David Petrie died on 7 August 1961 in Sidmouth.
What was David Petrie's occupation?
David Petrie was a police officer.
What nationality was David Petrie?
David Petrie was Indian.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). David Petrie. https://biography.guide/david-petrie/
MLA: "David Petrie." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/david-petrie/.
Chicago: "David Petrie." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/david-petrie/.
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