Mystery photos # 1 | Gwulo: Old Hong Kong

Mystery photos # 1

"A friend of mine recently found some old black & white negatives in her cupboard. I transferred some of them to positives and a lot of them are of Little Sai Wan and staff. You’re most welcome to have them."

Many thanks to the above contributor (who wants to remain anonymous) for getting touch from the UK.

Here are the first few, more to follow. Apart from #4, any ideas of dates & locations? (Click any image for a larger, zoomable view).

Gate to military camp

Hilltop overlooking Kai Tak

Waiting for the "garry"

Entrance to RAF Little Sai Wan

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(top photo) Well, whether or not we can trust wikipedia, there is an entry for the British army that claims this Regiment was in HK between 1960 - 63.

The length and straightness of the road makes me think this was taken at Shek Kong. Looking south(ish) from Kam Tin Road.

 

 


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Top photo: Tend to agree with philk that this is the main entrance to Sek Kong Camp. Compare Fred Evan's photo: http://gwulo.com/node/1472

and note the 18 Field Ambulance on both signboards.

Third photo from top: Cannot be sure but looks like the Kowloon Hills in the background with Lion Rock in the centre and Kowloon Peak on the right. Probably taken from RAF Little Sai Wan looking west.

 

"[They] came from Susan Roney in the UK [...] and to the best of her knowledge, the Blond man in a lot of the pictures are of her Mothers ex Business Partners Son, Leslie Hamp. Apparently, he was based at an RAF base in Lincolnshire."

Thanks for the other comments - we've been told to stay tuned for more photos!

Regards, David

I agree with Moddsey; definitely Kowloon hills. Wondering if second one was taken from Mount Parker given backdrop and height

Hi there,

From the angle between the leg of the guy and the runway, it would be more likely further to the west than Mount Parker.  Maybe Siu Ma San or even Mount Butler.

Best Regards,

T

I've just received and uploaded 12 more photos. One has several cars, so hopefully a car expert can use them to confirm Phil's suggestions for dates.

Hi Philk,

C Squadron 17th/21st Lancers was in Hong Kong ca. 1960 – 1962.  Other squadrons were in Aden.
Before was 1st Royal Tank Regiment ca. 1957 – 1960, divisional regiment Royal Armour Corps to 40th Infantry Division.
After was C Squadron The Royal Scots Greys (2nd Dragoons) ca 1962 – 1963.  Other squadrons were in Aden.

Royal Armour Corps presence was one regiment from 1949 – 1960, then down to one squadron till 1975.

References:
The Tanks The History Of The Royal Tank Regiment, 1945-1975; 1975; 0 85368 293 3
The Royal Scots Greys; 1971; 0 85052 088 6
The 17th/21st Lancers; 1968 [no ISBN]

Cheers,
isdl

That confirms it then - I'll change the gallery date from 1950 to 1960.

Thanks, David

Forgot to say, RAC units based at Sek Kong Camp.

Cheers,
isdl

The 3rd photograph was taken at RAF Little Sai Wan . It shows a group of airmen waiting for the transport to take them to work on Victoria Peak at RAF Batty's Belvedere .The two in uniform are Pete Hall from the NE (wearing best blue) and Les Hamp from Blackpool(in battle dress). Those in civvies would be off duty and be getting dropped off in town.They include Ken May from Pinner in shorts,The two on the end were linguists ,the one in the sports jacket we called Noddy and I think the other was called Lyn or Glyn ? both of whom went on to work in the Diplomatic Service.

Thanks Les. There's a few more over here. Any extra info you can add gratefully received.

Regards, David