Page 158 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
people swore an oath of allegiance to serve Britain and defend the shores of Hong Kong” said former leader Russ Banks, who retired as a sergeant in the RMP and served in Hong Kong from 1988 to 1992, “they paid UK tax and many served for a number of years. We’ve been waiting for a decision on this for three years and what we need now is for ministers to stop changing jobs so there is some continuity.”43
At the time of writing...the fight continues...
It seems appropriate to leave this chapter with the words of LCpl Ka Man Koowetchai, Ex HK DASU RAVC, whose expression of brotherhood speaks for so many, who were fortunate to have Hong Kong entered on their Service Record. In his article Ex-Servicemen from HK DASU RAVC still hold events such is their brotherhood, for Chiron Calling winter 2020, he wrote:
On 10th October 2020 the Hong Kong Ex-Servicemen Association and the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence jointly organised a military experience event
for the Hong Kong World War II Veterans Association and local citizens at Moreton Terrace, Causeway Bay. The event was conducted by ex-members of HK DASU RAVC and other local ex-servicemen.
The theme of the event was “Brotherhood”.
Demonstrations included sharing stories about their duties on the Hong Kong Sino Border, the tasting of Army rations, Search and Rescue dog training, and partaking in the famous food of “Shaffi’s curry” from the former Borneo Lines at Sek Kong. Due to the riots in Hong Kong in 2019 and the global Corona virus pandemic their military occasion had to be delayed several times, and owing to local regulations and restrictions, only twenty citizens could participate in this event at a time. However, those attending were very enthusiastic and were keen to hear about our adventures in the Army as members of the RAVC.44
As any veteran would expect, this is an account of resilience, perseverance, loyalty and... brotherhood.
Cpl Tang Chi Kin and his MWD Tock (Sweep) on the Hong Kong-Sino Border circa 1987.
43 Soldier Magazine dated September 2019.
44 Chiron Calling Winter dated 2020 by Ex RAVC LCpl Ka Man Koowetchai previously of HK DASU RAVC.
150