ENG-1972 — Page 221

15

The Armed Services and

Auxiliary Services

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THE British Armed Forces are stationed in Hong Kong to assist the Hong Kong Government in maintaining security and stability in the territory. All three services are represented and are under the command of the Commander British Forces, Lieu- tenant General Sir Richard Ward, KCB, DSO, MC, who is responsible to the Chief of Defence Staff in London. The Commander British Forces is the Governor's adviser on matters affecting the security of Hong Kong.

Army units predominate in Hong Kong, and are under the direct command of the Commander British Forces, who has the additional appointment of Commander Land Forces. Royal Navy ships in Hong Kong are under the direct operational control of the Commodore-in-Charge, Hong Kong (who has his headquarters at HMS Tamar), while the Commander Royal Air Force commands the Royal Air Force station at Kai Tak and associated units including No. 28 Squadron equipped with Wessex helicopters.

The Commodore-in-Charge, Hong Kong, Commodore J. K. Stevens, commands the Naval Force in Hong Kong and its waters. During the year, HM Ships Sheraton and Kirkliston of 6th Patrol Craft Squadron, stationed in Hong Kong, were replaced by HM Ships Wasperton, Wolverton and Monkton. The strength of the squadron is now five ships.

Following the naval withdrawal from Singapore, HMS Tamar's role as the one remaining Naval Shore Establishment in the Far East has become even more impor- tant. HMS Tamar provides essential services to the 6th Patrol Craft Squadron, to the Guardship (which is usually a frigate) and to all RN Ships stationed in the Far East, as well as to Commonwealth warships visiting Hong Kong for maintenance and recreation. Major warships which visited Hong Kong during 1972 included the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne and the guided missile destroyer HMS Devonshire. The Chilean Navy's sail training vessel Esmeralda was an impressive and welcome visitor in the spring.

HMS Tamar recruits and trains Chinese cooks and stewards who serve aboard the larger ships, as well as employing Chinese naval ratings for service in HMS Tamar itself. HMS Tamar is also the agency for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service and operates a licensed crew department for the recruitment of local Chinese seamen for service in RFA vessels worldwide.

Headquarters Land Forces is at Victoria Barracks on Hong Kong Island and has under its command, 48 Gurkha Infantry Brigade, stationed at Sek Kong in the New Territories and 51 Infantry Brigade with its headquarters in Kowloon.