HONG KONG: NEPALESE GURKHA INFANTRY HOLD LAST PARADE

(2 Nov 1996) English/Nat
The Gurkha infantry battalion have held their last parade in Hong Kong.
The hardy Nepalese fighters will be withdrawing from the colony along with other British forces after the handover on July 1 1997.
In the run up to Chinese rule the Royal Air forces have left their permanent base for a temporary home at Hong Kong's commercial Kai Tak Airport.
A ceremonial arrival of these Wessex helicopters at their new home Friday, marked the beginning of the end for these pilots' service in Hong Kong.
For the first time ever, the British Royal Air Force (R-A-F) in Hong Kong will be operating out of the commercial Kai Tak Airport.
Although the R-A-F is retreating from Hong Kong after the territory resumes Chinese sovereignty, they are spending their remaining months based here.
For the last 18 years, the R-A-F has been operating out of their squadron base in Sek Kong.
But they are positive about their move and about their future.
SOUNDBITE: (ENGLISH)
"It's a new chapter for the squadron, we're in the final phase of our time in Hong Kong now so we look forward to the next 8 months and all that it brings us."
SUPERCAPTION: Dick Barton, Squadron Leader, RAF
And other regiments are also starting the process of adapting for a new future after the Chinese handover.
The Gurkha infantry battalion will also be withdrawing from Hong Kong after 1997.
The battalion beat their final retreat at their last parade which was attended by Hong Kong's Governor Chris Patten and British Forces Commander, Major General Bryan Dutton.
Marching Bands and Nepalese dancing were the highlight of the evening which included a farewell speech from the Governor.
Many of the Gurkhas stationed in Hong Kong have been here for the past decade, and are saddened they must leave the place they call home.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"Being in the army it's obvious that I have to go places to places around but I'm not, I don't feel that I will be much help (here) there compared to Hong Kong.
SUPERCAPTION: Jaypraka Shgrong, Gurkha
The last infantry battalion will officially withdraw from Hong Kong in December. However, more than two thousand Gurkhas will remain and withdraw by next July.
In front of the gathered dignitaries and gathered regiment the traditional evening ceremony of Beating Retreat was held by the Royal Gurkha Rifles, followed by the lowering of the Union Jack and regimental flag.

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