This Day in History: 1979-08-05

A recently-joined young clerk from the 2nd Battalion had just completed his first ambush patrol at Sha Tau Kok, during which it had rained all night and he was soaked through. While awaiting transport back to the Battalion Lines he wandered off to buy himself a fresh, dry pair of underpants but accidentally crossed the poorly-defined Sino-Hong Kong border in Ching Ying Street and found himself apprehended by the local Chinese militia.  Lieutenant Colonel Bruce Jackman, the Commandant, negotiated his release with the local Politburo chief, who was introduced as ‘Mr Lo Ki’.  The interpreter was able to explain what ‘low key’ means in English, to the amusement of all, and the clerk was returned.