172
XL-MILITARY FORCES AND EXPENDITURE.
(a.) REGULAR FORCES.
The following return shows the number and composition of the Forces employed in the Colony during 1906 :-
CORPS.
Officers.
EUROPEANS.
INDIANS.
CHINESE.
TOTAL.
General Staff (Officers only). Garrison Staff (W. O., N. C.
Officers only),
4
:
6
6
Royal Garrison Aftillery,
19
664
683
Royal Engineers,.
11
243
65
319
2nd Royal West Kent Regt.,
419
428
Army Service Corps,
27
31
Royal Army Medical Corps,
43
51
Army Ordnance Dept, and Corps,]
31
37
Army Pay Department and Corps,
8
10
H. K. & S. Bu. R. G. A..
10
9
7
405
431
3rd Middlesex Regiment,
75
77
119th Infantry,
15
750
774
A
129th (D.C.O.) Baluchis,
15
753
777
...
Indian Subordinate Medical
1
4
5
...
Department,
TOTAL,.
93
1,525
38
1,912
65
3,633
(b.) COLONIAL CONTRIBUTION.
The Colony contributed $1,305,185.80 (being the statutory contribution of 20 per cent. of the Estimated revenue) towards the cost of the maintenance of the Regular Forces in the Colony and Barrack Service.
(c.) VOLUNTEER Corps.
The total establishment of the Corps is 443 of all ranks. The strength on the 31st December, 1906, was 297 made up as follows :--Staff 6; two Garrison Artillery Companies, 211; one Engineer Company, 39; Troop 41.
The members of the Corps are now all armed with the new M.L.E. Short rifle and the latest pattern equipment.
The period for the annual Camp of Instruction was extended from 10 days to 16, it was held in October, 1906, and was very well attended.
The Mounted Troop Camp was held at Fan Ling in the New Territories.
The Camp took place during the Christmas Holidays, and was well attended. Much useful work was done.
The Hongkong Volunteer Reserve Association numbered two hundred and fifty-one members at the close of the year, an increase of 38 members, as compared with 1905.
Members of this Association, who must be over 35 years of age, are required to make themselves proficient in rifle shooting, and undertake to enrol themselves under the Volunteer Ordinance in the event of hostilities.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.