14
Royal Navy searches for "old shipmates"
A Royal Naval presence in Hong Kong, lasting more than 150 years, will come to an end when HMS Tamar decommissions in March 1997.
To mark this final chapter in a long and illustrious association between the Royal Navy and the territory, a series of events has been organised for later this year to which "old shipmates" still living in Hong Kong will be invited.
The search is now on for these shipmates and the Chief of Staff and Senior Naval office in Hong Kong, Captain Peter Melson, will attend a press call tomorrow (Tuesday) at Prince of Wales Barracks during which he will invite former LEPs (Locally Engaged Personnel) and members of the Royal Navy to contact HMS Tamar so they may be included in any future guest list.
He will also be giving brief details of some of the events taking place to mark the Royal Navy's departure next year.
There has been a Royal Navy presence in Hong Kong since January 25, 1841, when Sir Edward Belcher, Captain of HMS Sulphur, landed at what is now known as Possession Point.
Towards the latter part of the 19th century, the original small invasion group of naval vessels began to grow both in number and capability, forming the East Indian Fleet. Royal Navy warships continued to be based in Hong Kong until the colony was invaded by Japan in 1941.
Liberation was later affected by Rear Admiral Harcourt's naval task force on August 30, 1945, after which the Royal Navy returned to establish a base in the territory.
Today the operational elements of the Royal Navy are based at HMS Tamar, on Stonecutters Island, where they moved in May 1993 from their former base in Central.
HMS Tamar, commanded by Commander Ross Thoburn, controls and supports the operation of the Peacock class patrol craft, HM Ships Peacock, Plover and Starling, the three ships of the Hong Kong Squadron. Attention News Editors:
You are invited to attend the press call which will take place at 11.45 am tomorrow at Prince of Wales Barracks, Central.