THE Royal Navy yesterday closed its last observation post in Hongkong, which was used for decades to gather intelligence on ship movements into and out of China.
The end of the Tai O Coastal Watching Station was marked with a ceremony outside the building on the outcrop off the west of Lantau Island.
Built shortly after World War II, the station was one of five originally used to monitor shipping going in and out of the mainland.
The other stations in Port Shelter, Waglan Island, Stanley and Cheung Chau were all closed by the 1970s but the Tai O facility remained open to help provide information on ships entering Hongkong waters.
Five naval ratings would work for six weeks at a time in the post and would be helicoptered to the island with their provisions. Double link barbed wire surrounded the 200 square metre site and guard dogs patrolled the perimeter.
The men have been re-assigned to other duties while the dogs have been found homes in Hongkong.
The Commander of HMS Tamar, Commander Berry Reeves, joined a small group of officers at a ceremony to mark the taking down of the Royal Navy Ensign.