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THE ARMED SERVICES AND AUXILIARY SERVICES
The Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force continued to operate its Westland Widgeon helicopters and Auster observation aircraft in 1965, the latter being used mainly for pilot training. Early in the year one of the Widgeon helicopters was lost as the result of an accident during training and for some time afterwards the remaining helicopter was grounded. This unfortunately brought about a suspension of the 'flying doctor' services. In August, however, the delivery of two new Alouette helicopters made a full resumption of flying possible and the increased power and carrying capacity of the Alouette over the Widgeon give increased efficiency and reliability to the aero-medical services. Many government depart- ments used the new helicopters for flights to all parts of the Colony.
The major helicopter operation of 1965 was the rescue of 44 persons, and the ship's dog, from the freighter Nan An aground in Mirs Bay. The rescue was carried out in very bad weather condi- tions of low cloud, rain, very poor visibility and strong-gusty winds which made helicopter flying extremely hazardous in close proximity to the cliffs.
ESSENTIAL SERVICES CORPS
The Essential Services Corps is split for administrative and practical purposes into four autonomous services-the units of the Essential Services Corps proper, the Auxiliary Medical Service, the Civil Aid Services and the Auxiliary Fire Service. The Corps proper consists of about 60 units, each responsible for maintaining an essential service such as the supply of electricity, water, com- munications, etc. during any emergency but particularly during civil disturbances involving curfews. Approximately half the units are formed from government departments and the other half from commercial organizations. The total strength is about 8,000. Each unit is principally staffed by persons of that service who have undertaken voluntarily to continue to serve under emergency conditions. When called out for service, members are subject to certain obligations but also become entitled to certain benefits and privileges such as pay, pension in case of death or injury, police powers and immunities, and identity documents to facilitate movement during curfews. Comprehensive plans for the operation of each unit have been prepared and co-ordinated with the police and military. The Commissioner, Essential Services Corps, who