Hong Kong Squadron marks last of British gunboats
The Royal Navy keeps five aging minesweepers stationed in Hong Kong, the last of Britain’s gunboats. Built about 20 years ago and converted in 1971, the 360 ton wooden vessels carry two Bofor 40mm guns and two heavy machine guns. Their role is now confined to Hong Kong waters with patrol duties and support for the Hong Kong government. Replacement is costly, and Britain is shifting defense costs to the colony, drawing local criticism.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Hong Kong
UPS
Britain
High Seas
South China
China
Canton
T. J. K. Sloan
Sloan
Royal Navy
Charm and idiosyncrasies of Moscow's Ukraina hotel
A vivid snapshot of Moscow's Hotel Ukraina built in 1957, noting its grand 1950s design, 1,032 rooms, six elevators, uneven service, and economical Soviet pricing around $33 a night. The piece surveys architecture, staff quirks, and the building's place in Russian and Cold War-era life. It segueways to Hong Kong defense costs and Royal Navy presence, highlighting contrasting imperial reach and local roles.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Moscow
UPI
Ukraina
Arkady Mordvinov
Alexander Kuznetsov
Mordvinov
Stalin
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Royal Air Force
HMS
Wasperton
HMS Wolverton
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Paul Astle
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Hong Kong Marine Police
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Are
ISO
Gee
PRIDE
Ada Hongboon
Gloversville
N.Y
Jeffrey Majors
Plattsburg
Linda Woodworth
Watertown
Milo Buller
Carol McQilliss
Tupper Lake
Yin
J Balls
Onal, Ketchu
Heinz
Pride & Price
Price &I
Turkeys
London
Broii
Ann Page
Jar
Krunchy
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Schick
Schick Blades
U.S.D.A
UL K . Y
U.S. NO. 1
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ATTAC
Lavef
al Cheese