ENG-1972 — Page 223

THE ARMED SERVICES AND AUXILIARY SERVICES

Local Auxiliary Defence Services

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In addition to the regular forces, Hong Kong has two auxiliary defence units, the Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers) and the Royal Hong Kong Auxil- iary Air Force. These are administered by the Hong Kong Government but would come under the command of the Commander British Forces, and his appropriate single service subordinate commanders, for operations if called out.

The Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers) has evolved as a profes- sionally-minded organisation over a period of 118 years. Today there are almost 700 volunteers and over 40 permanent staff. Based on Hong Kong Island, it is a light re- connaissance regiment comprising five reconnaissance squadrons, headquarters squad- ron, and home guard squadron. The recently established fifth reconnaissance squadron which became operational during the year, will be based in Kowloon.

The regiment is highly mobile and operates mainly in support of the British Armed Forces stationed in Hong Kong. Its members are well suited for this role of internal security and reconnaissance. A significant development was the establishment of a junior leaders squadron in 1970. Catering for boys between the ages of 14 and 18, the squadron now has an enrolment of 140 boys. It serves no specific military purpose but simply aims at providing training in community spirit, leadership and self-reliance.

The Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force also comprises both volunteers and permanent staff, and if necessary can operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The unit continues to operate three Alouette III helicopters, two Beechcraft Musketeer primary trainers and one Britten-Norman Islander aircraft. The unit's primary func- tion is internal security with the auxiliary aircrew trained mainly for this purpose. Other commitments continue to grow, however, and the unit's aircraft are being used on an increasing number of occasions for search and rescue, casualty evacuation, aeromedical services, aerial survey and the conveyance of government officers to outlying areas. Over 100 casualty evacuation flights were carried out during the year.

Essential Services Corps

The Essential Services Corps comprises four autonomous services—the units of the Essential Services Corps proper, the Auxiliary Medical Service, the Civil Aid Services and the Auxiliary Fire Service.

The Essential Services Corps consists of 69 units which can be mobilised during civil disorder to maintain public utilities and other essential services under circum- stances in which the security of Hong Kong or the health of the population might be seriously endangered. Approximately half of the 11,000 strong corps is formed from government departments and the other half from commercial organisations. Each unit is principally staffed by a restricted number of volunteers employed by the departments or organisations concerned. When a unit is called out, members of the corps under- take special obligations under a disciplinary code. In return, the members are entitled to substantial benefits appropriate to the abnormal conditions of service. Compre- hensive plans for operation of each essential service in times of civil disorder are constantly under review and co-ordinated with the police and military. Units of the