Page 2.
2.5
It was considered that the broader sphere of service and training
under Section 4, now compulsory for all personnel, was adequate to cover
allemands that might be made on the services of members of the Minew:.t-
ching Branch (Europeans whose average age is 45) and on Asiatic personnel
ut Officers (Europeans) of the Executive and Non-Executive Branches
were asked if they were prepared to volunteer for general service in
emergency under Section 6. Seventy seven were asked and sixty eight or
88% accepted. It is known, however, that a very high percentage of the
Minewatching Branch and considerable numbers of Asiatics would volunteer
for general service.
European Seamen Branch. In August an increase in the Establishment was
authorised in the formation of a European Seamen Branch. (Notification
No. 651 of 11th August, 1939).
"The new branch will provide men, who in addition to being able
to use a rifle, would be able to fight three pounder and six pounder guns
to be mounted in Auxiliary Craft which would be employed in the defence
of Hong Kong, but it will be within the competence of the Commanding
Officer, Hong Kong Naval Volunteer Force, to allot these men to any
other duty for which they may show greater aptitude.
Volunteers in this branch would be required primarily for the
defence of the Colony.
The strength of that Branch is twenty-nine.
requirements in a general emergency would be sixty.
It is estimated that
The pre-war period closed with all Branches, except the newly
formed European Seamen Branch, at full strength and trained to a degree
which only full time service ashore and afloat could intensify.
PART II.。
(During and after Mobilization)
Announcement in the Press. "As a precautionary measure in case of
emergency it has been decided to call up certain members of the Hong
Kong Naval Volunteer Force. This will ensure a higher degree of pre-
paredness in the Force as a whole and permit of closer surveillance of
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Private notes are available after approval.