THE ARMED SERVICES AND AUXILIARY SERVICES
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The Wessex helicopters of No. 28 Squadron are employed in direct support of the army and can carry 14 troops or 1 400 kilograms of freight anywhere within Hong Kong. The helicopter is the only practicable way of moving troops, rations and equipment to outlying areas and its quick reaction time and flexibility of use have been significant factors in the success of the security forces' operations.
Although illegal immigration has been substantially reduced across the land border, significant numbers still attempt to enter Hong Kong by speedboat. These clandestine operations, which are normally carried out at night, are countered by combined operations involving surface vessels and Wessex helicopters. The Wessex uses its 65 million candle- power Nitesun to illuminate the area and disorientate the speedboat driver to enable capture by surface vessels. The flying is demanding and involves a considerable amount of time on standby at night. Additionally, throughout the year, there has been an increasing emphasis on training for internal security operations. Combined exercises involving the Royal Air Force, the Army, the Royal Navy, the Royal Hong Kong Police Force and the Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers) have helped to improve the proficiency of all concerned in internal security operations.
During the year, one helicopter was available for search and rescue duties throughout the normal working day and, on a monthly rotational basis with the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force, one helicopter was on permanent standby for territory-wide aero- medical evacuation. During May, No. 28 Squadron carried its 1000th casualty since formally assuming this standby commitment in 1972. During the dry season, the helicopters provided assistance in fighting fires in areas inaccessible to normal fire appliances. Flying with a bucket holding 1 000 kilograms of water suspended underneath, the helicopter is able to deliver a dousing to hillside fires.
In addition to the varied operational tasks performed by No. 28 Squadron, the Wessex has assisted in several construction projects within Hong Kong. The most notable of these included the airlifting of all the construction material needed to build two new hill-top radio stations on Lantau Island and in the New Territories.
Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers)
The Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers) is a light reconnaissance regiment made up of part-time volunteers with a small permanent staff of regular army officers and non-commissioned officers on loan from the British Army. Its role, though primarily one of internal security, also includes reconnaissance, anti-illegal immigrant operations and assistance to other government departments in the event of natural disasters. It is administered by the Hong Kong Government, but if called out it is commanded by the Commander British Forces.
The regiment was expanded in 1982 and there are now some 860 volunteers from all walks of life and of many nationalities. They serve in four reconnaissance squadrons, a home guard squadron, which includes a regimental band, and a headquarters squadron. There is also a junior leaders' squadron of 135 boys between 14 and 17 years of age who are trained in youth activities and leadership. It is planned to increase the number of junior leaders to 300 in 1983 and base their future training on the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. The enthusiastic response to recruiting campaigns has enabled the regiment to be selective and to maintain high standards of physical fitness. Volunteers are required to undergo regular training in the evenings and at weekends and to attend two one-week camps each year. In recent years one of these camps has been deployed on the border to relieve a regular battalion of its anti-illegal immigration duties. In 1982, eight volunteers