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signal commitment is the constant stream of signals about A.S.G. reliefs and releases, and without the large numbers at present borne, there is no doubt that unacceptable delays would ensue.
12. By the first of March, the reduction in ratings has resulted in the de-requisitioning of the St. Francis and Metropole Hotels, the release of some thirty beds in the Luk Kwok Hotel and the reduction in numbers by some 150 in the China Fleet Club.
13. In addition to houses for personnel, there have of course been a number of godowns taken for store purposes.
14. On the amenities side, the urgent requirement of an Officers' Club was apparent. Accordingly the Commodore directed that steps be taken to start a club without delay. In this case, an inter-service committee was formed and ran the top floor of the Gloucester Hotel, the Lido at Repulse Bay, the Kellett Island Yacht Club and eventually the top floor of the Peninsula Hotel Kowloon as one club which was named the Combined Services Club. It has been a great success, and without doubt supplied a very real need.
15. For the ratings, various clubs had been started by the Chaplains, for the most part in leased premises. A convalescent and leave centre was supplied by requisitioning the Repulse Bay Hotel.
16. As regards games and swimming facilities, a very early drive was made and quite a number of grounds for organised games were quickly in commission. These are shown in Appendix 1.
17. An important requirement was hospitalisation for the large numbers in the Colony. The two top floors of the Government-controlled Queen Mary's Hospital were acquired and equipped by the Medical Officer with gear and supplies from Australia. The old R.N., Hospital at Wanchai is considered wholly unsuitable, and permission is awaited from the Admiralty to go ahead with the building of a new R.N. Hospital on a fine site already earmarked. Meanwhile an agreement has been reached that the Navy are to rehabilitate the War Memorial Hospital sufficiently to render it useable, The Navy will then take this hospital for three years, and release the Queen Mary, During this time the intention is to build a new Naval Hospital.
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APPENDIX 1,
Appendix as in paragraph 17.
By the time Liberating Forces were able to turn to organised games (at the beginning of October 1945), the grounds etc., made available after filling in bomb craters, cutting grass etc.,
were:-
2.
3 Soccer grounds at Causeway Bay on the old R.N. Ground. 1 Hockey Pitch on the Chinese Recreation Club ground at
Causeway Bay
1 Cricket Ground on the Hong Kong Cricket Club Ground.
2 Hard Tennis Courts in the Dockyard (undamaged).
1 Swimming Pool in the Dockyard (undamaged).
2 Squash Racquets Courts at Kellet Island. Sailing from Kellet Island.
By mid-December, 1945.
1 additional Cricket Ground at Happy Valley.
3. By 1st January, 1946.
1 additional Soccer Ground on the Kowloon Cricket Club
Ground.
1 Seven-a-side Hockey Pitch on the Kowloon Bowling Club
Ground.
1 Rugby Football Ground at Sookunpoo.
1 additional Soccer ground at Sookunpoo.
1 additional Hockey Pitch at Sookunpoo.
The No. 1 Soccer Ground at Causeway Bay was enclosed by
a fence, thereby enabling Gate Money to be taken from the public at the Rehabilitation Football League Matches played on Saturdays and Sundays of each week-end. Standing and sitting stands were also built around the ground.
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