|
In
January 1988 the ‘Farmersboys’ following in the footsteps of their
parent Regiment's commenced a two and half year posting in the Far East as
part of the Hong Kong Garrison. They Relieved the 2nd Battalion
Coldstream Guards.
They
were stationed in Stanley Barracks which was situated on the Stanley
peninsula, at the extreme southern tip of Hong Kong Island.
The
Battalion arrived in Hong Kong in a blaze of Publicity and were welcomed
officially by a small parade at which the colours were ceremonially
brought ashore to the headquarters British forces Hong Kong at H.M.S.
TAMAR from the Hong Kong patrol craft swift.
Service
in Hong Kong revolved about operations to secure the Sino Hong Kong border
to the north of the new territories, training and planning to assist the
Royal Hong Kong police with internal security tasks in thee event of civil
unrest within Hong Kong. In general terms the border security commitment
occurred up to three times a year and was usually of some six weeks
duration. On the border each
company was responsible for one of three areas which were called Lok Ma
Chau (Which included an outpost known as Sandy Spur), Man Kam To and Sha
Tau Kok.
During
its time in Hong Kong the Battalion sent groups on exercise to Brunei,
Singapore, Australia, new Zealand, Hawaii and Malaysia. Also a sports tour
to Thailand and adventure training expeditions to Sabah, Nepal and
Thailand. The Regiment Band carried out a two week tour of Japan and south
Korea, plus the Battalion provided Honour Guards for the United Nations in
Korea.
The
Battalion was also heavily committed in assisting with the Vietnamese Boat
People who at that time were leaving Vietnam in large numbers, risking
their lives on the South China Seas and ending up in Camps in Hong Kong
At
the completion on the tour the colours returned the same way, only this
time they were taken from the Colony on HMS Plover
|
