About Michael Hanley
Lived 1918 – 2001 (aged 82–83). Michael Hanley was a military personnel.
Sir Michael Bowen Hanley KCB (24 February 1918 – 1 January 2001) was Director General (DG) of MI5, the United Kingdom's internal security service, from 1972 to 1978.
Career Educated at Sedbergh School and Queen's College, Oxford where he read history, Hanley served during the Second World War, being commissioned into the Royal Artillery of the British Army on 28 December 1940. His service number was 164032. to be Deputy Director General of MI5 from 1971 to 1972. He was Director General of MI5 from 1972 to 1978.
As Director General, Hanley had a difficult relationship with the Prime Minister, Harold Wilson. Wilson wrongly suspected MI5 of plotting against him in a conspiracy known as 'The Wilson Plot'.
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Michael Hanley?
Director-General of MI5
When was Michael Hanley born?
Michael Hanley was born on 24 February 1918 in Leeds.
When did Michael Hanley die?
Michael Hanley died in 2001 in Salisbury.
What was Michael Hanley's occupation?
Michael Hanley was a military personnel.
What nationality was Michael Hanley?
Michael Hanley's recorded nationality: British People.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Michael Hanley. https://biography.guide/michael-hanley/
MLA: "Michael Hanley." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/michael-hanley/.
Chicago: "Michael Hanley." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/michael-hanley/.
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