Sun sets on Tamar base for last time

THE Royal Navy last night severed its 142-year-old link with Hongkong Island when its HMS Tamar headquarters left Central.

A crowd of 500 guests and service personnel watched as the Senior Services' White Ensign flag was lowered for the last time.

But missing from the ceremony was the Commander-in-Chief of the British Garrison, the Governor, Mr Chris Patten, who decided to attend the Hongkong Journalists' Association ball instead.

Officials from China, who have criticised the $350 million relocation, were not invited.

The Royal Marines Band, flown into Hongkong for the occasion, played the hymn Sunset as the flag was lowered.

A chorus of Rule Britannia was struck up as the flag was folded away.