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THE ARMED SER
THE announcement of plans for the deployment of British forces in Hong Kong up to 1997 and the transfer of naval operations to a new base on Stonecutters Island highlighted 1993 for the territory's multinational Armed Services.
The Hong Kong garrison comprises Gurkhas from Nepal, who make up nearly half the garrison strength; locally-recruited Hong Kong Chinese; and service personnel from the United Kingdom. In addition, the territory has its own locally-raised regiment of part-time soldiers the Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers).
The garrison includes elements of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force, all of which are supported by a civilian work force, predominantly composed of locally-recruited Hong Kong Chinese.
Garrison's Role
The garrison's principal role is to provide a tangible demonstration of the United Kingdom's sovereignty and commitment to Hong Kong until 1997, in this way con- tributing to security, stability and prosperity in the territory.
In order to meet this role, the garrison must retain a balanced and flexible capability to assist the Hong Kong Government, if and when necessary, in a number of tasks. These include assistance in the maintenance of stability, security and confidence within the territory; maintenance of the territorial integrity of Hong Kong's boundaries; support to Royal Hong Kong Police operations; disaster and emergency relief; and contributing to regional security.
Commander British Forces
The Commander British Forces, with the rank of major-general, is in overall command of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force elements based in Hong Kong.
The Garrison
The garrison numbers about 9 500 men and women, comprising 7 200 military and some 2 300 civilian support staff.
The Royal Navy headquarters at HMS Tamar was closed in May and naval operations were transferred to a new base on Stonecutters Island. The HMS Tamar title was also transferred along with the move of the three Peacock-class patrol craft and operational and support facilities. Headquarters British Forces continue to operate from the Prince of Wales Building on the old west Tamar site, now renamed the Prince of Wales Barracks.
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