ENG-1977 — Page 235

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THE ARMED SERVICES AND AUXILIARY SERVICES

During the past year, the sports ground and other facilities at RAF Kai Tak were made available regularly to the community for such events as youth camps, school visits, an international Air Cadet exchange camp and Junior Police Call activities.

The year 1977 has not been easy for the Services. As the closure of RAF Kai Tak and Victoria Barracks comes closer, planning for these two major moves is becoming more detailed and consuming more staff effort. The ramifications are spreading well beyond those directly involved as transport, housing and social welfare implications become clearer. Moreover, the forces are still adjusting to their lower force levels, which inevitably require a thorough re-examination of commitments. However, 1977 has been a productive year, and efficiency and operational readiness have been sustained at a high level.

Local Auxiliary Services

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In addition to the regular forces, Hong Kong has two auxiliary service units the Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers) and the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force. Both are administered by the Hong Kong Government, but would come under the Commander British Forces and the appropriate Service commanders if called out.

The Royal Hong Kong Regiment is a light reconnaissance regiment that operates in support of the British Armed Forces in Hong Kong in both internal security and reconnaissance roles. It numbers about 600 volunteers. The regiment consists of four reconnaissance squadrons, a headquarters squadron and a home guard squadron. There also is a junior leaders' squadron of 135 boys aged between 14 and 17 who are trained in youth activities and leadership. On average, volunteers train for two even- ings and one weekend a month, with a 15-day annual camp. When possible, volunteers are attached to regular battalions of the British Forces for overseas training.

The regiment helps government departments during natural disasters and provides other assistance to the community by actively supporting many organisations and charities.

The Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force is the only remaining operational auxiliary air force squadron in the Commonwealth. It is based near the civil airport and has an establishment of 111-volunteers and 54 permanent staff. It operates a twin-engined Britten Norman Islander, a Beechcraft Musketeer light aircraft and three Alouette Mark III helicopters. Two Bulldog training aircraft were added to the fleet during 1977, making a total of seven aircraft.

The unit works seven days a week and can operate round the clock in an emergency. Its main role is internal security. The unit also operates as a communication squadron by carrying out medical evacuation flights, search and rescue operations, aerial surveys, a flying doctor service, surveillance flights to hinder illegal activities, training air traffic controllers of the Civil Aviation Department to private pilot standard, and flying government officers to outlying areas. More than 150 casualties were carried to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for treatment during the year.

Civil Aid Services

The Civil Aid Services, a uniformed, disciplined volunteer service, was formed in January, 1952, essentially for civil defence work. Over the years, its role has changed,