(11 Apr 1997) T/I: 10:00:30
The British Royal Navy's last shore establishment in Asia was decommissioned in Hong Kong on Friday (11/4), less than three months before the handover of the colony to China. More than 200 sailors paraded in front of HMS Tamar as part of the decommissioning ceremony, exactly 100 years after a vessel of that name first arrived in Hong Kong waters as an accommodation ship.
The White Ensign flag was lowered for the last time, bringing to an end a 156-year association between the Royal Navy and the territory.
Among those attending the ceremony were Hong Kong Governor Chris Patten and First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Jock Slater.
SHOWS:
STONECUTTER'S ISLAND, HONG KONG - 11/4
WS sailors marching, they stop;
C/A audience;
GVS decommissioning ceremony, band plays,
soldiers at attention;
MS helicopter lands;
WS soldiers;
MS people in audience;
VS Chris Patten reviews troops;
MS soldiers;
Speech by First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Jock Slater: "The decommissioning of Tamar, the 5th to bear that name, marks the end of an era for the royal navy....an era that began in 1841."
more GVS of ceremony;
MS sailor rings bell;
MS lowering of White Ensign flag;
VS sailors saluting;
MS flag carried off;
speech by Governor Chris Patten: "We all share sadness about the passing of familiar things."
6. VS sailors marching as band plays.
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