The Directorate of Research and Civil Affairs (DORCA) was a mysterious and difficult-to-categorise think tank and possibly intelligence organisation within the Australian Army during World War II.Set up and headed by the charismatic Alf Conlon, the Directorate's alumni had a huge influence over Australia and the Pacific region post-WWII, especially through the Australian School of Pacific Administration (ASOPA).DORCA has been described as mysterious, odd ball, bohemian. It is difficult, if not impossible to categorise, having clearly involved at least in some sense in intelligence work. That it morphed into ASOPA after the war gives no real insight into its wartime activities. When formed in February 1943, the Directorate was made part of Military Intelligence, with Conlon reporting directly to General Blamey, commander-in-chief of the Australian Military Forces. Some of the work achieved during its short, wartime life included: making good the shortfall of no adequate military maps for the Northern Territory; finding substitute sources for quinine when Australia’s quinine suppliers came under Japanese control; preparing...