THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, JANUARY 27, 1936.
to understand and to appreciate those essential characteristics which united them in the sternest crisis of our history; the same fervent attachment to the Crown, the same good humour and endurance in adversity and the same determination to uphold tradition, chivalry and courage which are our common inheritance, in happier days of peace I have been able to see by personal visits to the military forces of the Crown both at home and abroad and have everywhere noted with pride the same gallant bearing which distinguished those forces in the Field. I shall be strengthened in the discharge of the great responsibilities which lie before me by the confidence with which I know I can rely on the unswerving allegiance of all ranks of the military forces of the Crown throughout the Empire.
No. 101.
EDWARD, R. I.
COLONIAL SECRETARY'S Department.
The following message dated 22nd January, 1936, ad- dressed by His Majesty King Edward. VIII to the Royal Air Force has been received by telegram from the Secretary of State for the Colonies and is published for general informa- tion.
27th January, 1936.
W. T. SOUTHORN,
Colonial Secretary.
On my accession to the Throne I desire at once to address a message to the Air Forces at Home and overseas. Flying Services were first created during the reign of my beloved father and it was with close personal interest that he watched their rapid growth from small beginnings; their unification under the stresses of war; and their subsequent development into a powerful instrument of defence which shares with the older Services the honourable duty of safeguarding these shores and the Empire. I have ever valued my close association with the Royal Air Force, marked of recent years by a special con- nection with the Auxiliary Air Force as its honorary Air Commodore-in-Chief. I have also witnessed with deep satis- faction the creation of Air Forces in the Dominions and in India. The Air Forces in the Empire are young, they have all the vigour of youth; and in the space of a few years they have already achieved a high tradition. I shall watch their further progress with a keen personal solicitude for their welfare and with entire confidence that they will ever show that pride of service and unswerving loyalty to the Crown which they have displayed since their first inception.
EDWARD, R. I.
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