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On the sale of the 1992 and 1997 Definitive Stamps in the form of twin pack in the Exhibition, Mr. Footman explained that this is not the last opportunity for the public to purchase the old definitive stamps as philatelic products.

He said there are plans to put on sale at selected philatelic offices on February 25, 1997, such stamps in the form of whole sheets for the latest 16 denominations, viz. 10c, 20c, 50c, $1, $1.20, $1.30, $1.40, $1.60, $2, $2.10, $2.50, $3.10, $5, $10, $20 and $50. Details of sales arrangement will be announced later.

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1 Black Watch replace 1 Staffords

The 1st Battalion The Black Watch have arrived in Hong Kong to replace the 1st Battalion The Staffordshire Regiment as the resident infantry battalion of the Hong Kong Garrison.

No strangers to the Territory, most of the 511 troops of the Battalion have already served here as the last military occupants of Stanley Fort between January 1993 and August 1994 and have now returned to be amongst the last military representatives of British sovereignty in Hong Kong. Like the Staffordshire Regiment, they will be unaccompanied by their families for the duration of their four- month tour.

The Black Watch were formed in 1725 as a result of the Scottish Jacobite Rebellion of 1715. After the Rebellion it became necessary to raise a force to oversee the warring clans. This force wore a tartan so dark it was almost black and as their role was to "watch" over the Highlands, they were nicknamed "Am Freiceadan Dubh" or "The Black Watch".

Famous for their kilts, bagpipes and fiercesome Highland Charge, The Black Watch have an illustrious battle history. Their first blooding occurred in Flanders in 1745 at the Battle of Fontenoy, where the French dubbed them the "Highland Furies". They subsequently saw action in the Americas, the Napoleonic Wars and 173 years after their first battle, they again fought at Fontenoy.

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