ENG-1948 — Page 9

Signals and Service Corps detachments, as well as a Nursing Detachment, a Railway Detachment and an Air Arm. The

Naval Volunteers are of more recent date, being formed since World War I. By December 1941 their strength was 800. Members of the Naval Volunteers and the Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps acquitted themselves with great gallantry in 1941 when the Japanese attacked Hong Kong, and they earned the commendation of the Service Commanders. Časualties were high, both in battle and in the subsequent long years of internment.

new

Immediately after the liberation of the Colony a start was made to draw up plans for the reconstitution of the Volunteers. The Hong Kong Defence Force will be not only a body; it is a new conception altogether. It is to combine within one organization a Navy, an Army and an Air Force on the one hand, and an Auxiliary Force (for internal security duties) on the other. An ambitious programme has been

drawn up.

Within the first 6-12 months it is the aim of the Government to enrol up to 4,500 men and women. The Hong Kong Regiment, as the military component is styled, will absorb about 1,000, the Hong Kong Naval Force 350 and the Hong Kong Air Force 100. Far the largest number will be needed for the Auxiliary Force which will require about 2,750. Further plans envisage the expansion of the Force to little less than 6,000 persons.

Any resident of Hong Kong, whatever his nationality, may join the Force, for the testamentary oath is worded in such a manner that an alien would suffer no loss of national status by taking it. Commissioned rank is open

to persons of all nationalities, and women too may join the Force. Never before so far as is known has a force composed of such a variety of units been welded together under one command.

A force of this size will not be cheap to establish, equip and maintain. While estimates for the time being must be treated with some reserve, it is believed that the capital cost for the strength of 4,500 mentioned above will be about H.K.$3million, and an annual recurrent expense from 1 million to 1 million dollars. Expansion to 6,000 would be even more expensive in proportion as the additional equipment involved is expensive. A new Headquarters building to house all sections of the Force and to provide suitable recreational facilities will run to about 6 million dollars. It is hoped to begin recruiting for the new Force about the middle of February 1949.

more

3