THREE MINESWEEPERS OF HONG KONG'S SIXTH MINE COUNTERMEASURES SQUADRON START THE VOYAGE HOME AFTER A FIVE-YEAR COMMISSION IN THE FAR EAST [Allocated Title]

HM ships Bossington, Hubberston and Maxton leave HMS Tamar, Hong Kong, on the start of the 80-day voyage back to Britain.

Captain goes up gangway onto HMS Bossington alongside in the basin of HMS Tamar. Bridge scene. Piping the side. MS of two minesweepers alongside and pan to three more across the basin - in the background is HMS Albion, newly arrived on a 10-day call to the colony. HMS Maxton (M.1165), paying-off pennant flying, makes stern way to clear Tamar's basin - men of the ship's companies of Tamar and the squadron's minesweepers have been formed up along the corridor of the Administrative Block to bid the ships farewell, and the Band of the Royal Hong Kong Police plays on the West Arm. Hubberston (M.1147) and Bossington (M.1133) clear the basin, followed by HMS Kirkliston (M.1157). With Kirkliston as their guide, the departing ships begin a ceremonial steampast, accompanied by Wessex helicopters from 28 Squadron, RAF Kai Tak. Commodore-in-Charge Hong Kong, Commodore Wykes-Sneyd stands on a balcony overlooking the basin, saluting each ship and waving his cap in farewell - he spots the cameraman and beckons to him to come up to the balcony.

16mm