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THE ARMED SERVICES AND AUXILIARY SERVICES
The primary task of the British Armed Forces in Hong Kong is, however, to be ready at all times to give instant support to the government and the police, should this be necessary. Therefore, the services have maintained a high standard of training and alertness and, jointly with the New Territories Administration and the police, have steadily improved arrangements for security at the border and other critical areas of the territory and its waters.
Local Auxiliary Defence Services
In addition to the regular forces, Hong Kong has two auxiliary defence units, the Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers) and the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force. These are administered by the Hong Kong Government but would come under the Commander British Forces and his appropriate single service subordinate commanders, for operations if called out.
The Royal Hong Kong Regiment, based on Hong Kong Island with nearly 700 volunteers and more than 40 permanent staff, is a light reconnaissance regiment comprising five reconnaissance squadrons, a headquarters squadron, and a home guard squadron. There is also a junior leaders squadron, a band and a training organisation. The regiment trains hard throughout the year to ensure that it can always effectively support either the regular forces or the Royal Hong Kong Police Force.
In April 1973, E Squadron took over part of Chatham Road Camp to provide the first permanent representation by the regiment in Kowloon. Near the end of the year they were joined by a second squadron, as part of the gradual move of the regiment across the harbour. This has become necessary as much of the land occupied by the present headquarters in Happy Valley will be used for a new flyover.
Since October the regiment, for the first time in 22 years, has been commanded by a local volunteer officer, Lieutenant Colonel J. Heywood.
The Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force is a volunteer force backed by a nucleus of permanent staff. Its main role is internal security, and volunteers train in the evenings and at weekends to prepare for this task. Three Alouette III helicopters, two Beechcraft Musketeer trainers and one Britten-Norman Islander make up the fleet of aircraft and an increasing number of commitments are being undertaken.
The unit's helicopters continue to provide a day and night casualty evacuation service as well as a means of rapid transport and communication for the government. Search and rescue and aerial survey capabilities are expanding and 1973 saw the introduction of fire-fighting buckets slung underneath helicopters for use in fighting hill fires. More than 150 casualty evacuation flights were carried out during the year.
Essential Services Corps
The Essential Services Corps comprises four autonomous services-units of the Essential Services Corps, the Auxiliary Medical Service, the Civil Aid Services and the Auxiliary Fire Services.