ENG-1953 — Page 209

Chapter 13

LOCAL FORCES

History. Volunteer service in Hong Kong began with the formation on 30th May, 1854, of the Hong Kong Volunteers. Between 1854 and 1920 volunteering fluctuated considerably, chiefly in relation to the personality and enthusiasm of succes- sive Commanding Officers. In 1878, the Hong Kong Volunteers were re-christened the "Hong Kong Volunteer Corps"; in 1917 their name was changed to the "Hong Kong Defence Corps"; and in 1920 the title was changed once more to "The Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps".

War Record. The Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps mobilized about 1,400 men to meet the Japanese attack on the Colony on 8th December, 1941, and fought with the Regular Forces against overwhelming odds until ordered to surrender on 25th December, 1941. For their gallantry in battle and subsequent escapes from Japanese prison camps members of the Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps were awarded one D.S.O., five M.C., two M.B.E., one D.C.M., six M.M. and eighteen "Mentioned in Despatches".

After the war the Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps was reconstituted on 1st March, 1949, as "The Hong Kong Defence Force." Two years later the prefix "Royal" was awarded to the Force by His Late Majesty King George VI in recognition of the gallant defence of Hong Kong by the Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps.

Present Constitution. The Royal Hong Defence Force is constituted by Ordinance and is a combined force comprising a naval, an army and an air force element. Men and women of different races and nationalities serve side by side in each

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