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At the time of writing, there were still a few days before the disbandment of our PTU Company. After 17 months of standing together, shoulder to shoulder, the current Hong Kong Island PTU Zulu Company would soon become history. During the 524 days of our journey, the 170 of us have set many records. We had the shortest training period of any Company in recent years, and had the longest deployment in Operation TIDERIDER.
I remember on June 9 last year, everyone was sweating from the morning until night as we moved from Causeway Bay to Wan Chai to assist with the public procession and assembly. Near midnight, a large number of demonstrators began to lose control outside the Legislative Council Complex. The originally peaceful crowd suddenly became aggressive and violent. They attacked us and attempted to break into the Legislative Council Complex. By that time, Zulu Company officers had gone through just the fourth week of PTU training, and had a basic understanding of tactics, and armed with only normal equipment, we struggled to resist the attack of the mob. Even though most officers were not experienced in PTU duties, and without tear gas equipment, we defended our position against these rioters and finally kept the Legislative Council Complex safe. Everyone was exhausted, and the blood of my colleagues and their heroic resistance against the attackers are still vivid in my mind.
Soon after, a series of violent riots began, and our PTU training was then changed to on-the-ground training. We travelled throughout Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. Every member of my Company experienced attack by corrosive liquids, petrol bombs and bricks, many times. I had slept on the street, and was unable to return home due to the closure of Tolo Highway. All of these memories are unforgettable. Being able to successfully defend our city and survived in one piece until disbandment, reflects on the leadership of Headquarters Response Contingent and Regional Response Contingent of Hong Kong Island, the concerted efforts of all the team members, and the hard work of all Non-commissioned Officers. No problems are too hard for a team that surmounts Operation TIDERIDER. Thank you all for being here with me together, and I wish all brothers and sisters the best, and a happy family.
Ben Tse, Zulu Company Commander
Autumn 2020
