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carried out wholly by Hong Kong Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Officers, and the fact that the transition from Peace to War was effected so quickly and quietly reflects great credit on
all concerned.
5.
The Officer Instructor was withdrawn soon after the
outbreak of war since when, apart from operational orders, and the giving of advice, when sought, by myself and staff and technical officers, the Force has been entirely self contained and independent. Its organization, discipline, and the thoroughness with which it carries out all duties assigned to it, reflects great credit on the Commanding Officer, and those mentioned on page 4 of his report. A steady flow of new entrants has been maintained, and their training has progressed very rapidly, while the practical experience and training which all members of the Force have undergone at sea has been of great value and surpasses what could have been achieved in many
years of peacetime effort.
6.
The force has recently assumed full responsibility
for the maintenance of the Mine Control Stations at Shek O and
Chung Am Kok, besides keeping them constantly manned and ready for action. Owing to the similarity of the duties at the Indicator Loop Station at Tytam Tuk, it is thought that it may be possible in the future for the Force to man this Station, in
addition to the Mine Control Stations.
7.
In view of the known shortage of Junior Executive
Officers needed to man the vessels now under construction in
the United Kingdom, and the valuable sea training received by so many Hong Kong Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Officers since the outbreak of war, it is considered that the feasibility of sparing a portion of Hong Kong Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Officers for general service in the Royal Navy requires most
careful consideration. Admittedly this can only be done at the expense of calling up more of the unmobilized officers of the Hong Kong Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, but it is felt