ENG-1991 — Page 338

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THE ARMED SERVICES

THE Armed Services based in Hong Kong form a varied but well integrated garrison, with Gurkhas from Nepal making up half the numbers and the remainder divided almost equally between locally-recruited Hong Kong Chinese and service personnel from the United Kingdom. In addition, Hong Kong has its own locally-raised regiment of part-time soldiers - the Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers).

The garrison is stationed in the territory primarily to demonstrate sovereignty and safeguard the conditions which have helped Hong Kong to flourish, thus underlining the - United Kingdom's stated commitment to the territory.

Commander British Forces

The Commander British Forces, with the rank of Major-General, is in overall command of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force elements based in Hong Kong.

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The Garrison

The garrison numbers about 11 000 men and women, comprising 8 500 military and some 2 500 civilian support staff.

The Royal Navy has its headquarters in HMS Tamar in Central where three Peacock Class patrol vessels are based. They operate in support of the Marine Police and, at the same time, demonstrate British sovereignty in Hong Kong waters.

During the drive in 1991 to combat increasing smuggling activities, one of the Navy's tasks was to provide assistance to the government's anti-smuggling task force. The Fast Pursuit Craft were frequently successful in foiling smuggling attempts and recovering contraband. Another important role for the Navy was to deter and intercept illegal immigration by sea.

The Peacock Class vessels were designed to operate in typhoon conditions, and this was put to the test in August when an offshore oilfield barge sank in stormy conditions caused by Typhoon Fred. Both HMS Plover and Peacock played their part in joint rescue operations in which 173 out of the 195 on board the barge were saved.

The Army comprises the largest element of the garrison. Its main component is an infantry brigade with one United Kingdom battalion (currently the 1st Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Wales) and three Gurkha battalions supported by Gurkha engineer,