ENG-1996 — Page 396

Central, will close on June 30

Hong Kong.

THE ARMED SERVICES

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marking the final withdrawal of British Forces from

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The Garrison

The Garrison numbered about 3 250 men and women, comprising both military and civilian staff.

The Royal Navy remained active in 1996 in operations within Hong Kong's territorial waters and provided a search-and-rescue capability in the South China Sea extending about 300 nautical miles around the territory. Other tasks included providing support for the Royal Hong Kong Police to counter smuggling and illegal immigration. The three patrol craft of the Hong Kong Squadron HM Ships Peacock, Plover and Starling patrolled the territory's waters, liaising closely with the Marine Police and other government departments.

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The Army comprised the largest element of the garrison and, as such, saw the greatest decline in numbers - from three battalions in 1994 to one as preparations for withdrawal continued. The strength of logistic and other supporting units was reduced to reflect the decline in front-line troops.

The Royal Air Force in Hong Kong comprised the helicopter support squadron, No. 28 (Army Co-operation) Squadron, an engineering squadron and an adminis- trative squadron. No. 28 (AC) Squadron is equipped with four operational and two reserve Wessex helicopters. Its role is to provide air support to the garrison from its forward operating base at Kai Tak and it is also available to assist the Hong Kong Government with search and rescue, fire-fighting and other tasks.

Training and Operations

The garrison was unique in its tri-national composition (British, Gurkha and Chinese) and in its ability to blend its troops and skills in a wide range of training and operations. This involved a busy programme throughout the year with combined exercises involving the three services.

Exercises were held in Hong Kong in places such as Lantau and the New Territories, but Hong Kong lacks suitable areas for realistic training with some of the weaponry with which British Forces are normally equipped, so some exercises were held overseas in order to maintain a high standard of military skills. During 1996 the Army joined exercises in Hawaii and Australia, and, for the first time in 10 years, British troops

- men from 1RGR - returned to Fiji to take part in military training. HM Ships Peacock, Plover and Starling visited Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia and the Philippines.

The Garrison and the Community

The garrison contributed to the well-being of the wider community in many ways, Apart from the high-profile events that highlighted the garrison's presence, there was much behind-the-scenes activity which largely went unreported.

When a typhoon threatened, the garrison automatically moved to a higher state of alert. Emergency communications were set up and troops placed on standby for any tasks they may have been given. The troops were backed up by a wide variety of equipment and supplies held in disaster relief stores.