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Since then, a corps of volunteers has been in existence and has
assisted the regular forces in all major wars or disturbances which have
affected Hong Kong. In 1920, the first local Chinese volunteer was enlisted,
and nowadays the regiment consists mainly of Chinese soldiers.
The severest test which the volunteers have met was in the bitter
fighting which preceded the fall of Hong Kong on Christmas day, 1941. The
strength of the Hong Kong Defence Corps, as it was then named, was 2,200,
of whom 289 were missing or killed, and many others became prisoners of war.
The battle honour Hong Kong' was later awarded, and many of the veterans of the battle for Hong Kong still celebrate Liberation Day every
year with a short service at the City Hall garden of remembrance.
The regiment became 'The Royal Hong Kong Regiment' in 1970. It
now fulfils a number of important roles in support of the regular forces.
Volunteers come from all walks of civilian life in Hong Kong.
Some are taxi drivers; others are university graduates; all are similarly
motivated, to serve Hong Kong, and to engage in worthwhile outdoor activities
which take them away from urban districts at weekends.
Training takes place in the eveninge, at weekends, and at a two-
week annual camp.
The guards at Government House during the Royal visit will be
taken each day from a different squadron of the regiment, and those on
parade in Nathan Road will be a representative selection.