Having spent three tours on the Island at the MCTC or technically the Combined Military Establishment (CME Hong Kong) 1967-69, 1970-72 and 1974-76 when it was closed. It was the last overseas corrective establishment. I witnessed the fire on the QE and in fact rang the HK fire brigade to warn them but spotted a police boat alongside and realised that they would contact the Fire Services. The saddest part was watching the ship toppling over the next day, whilst all the ships in the harbour were sounding their sirens in salute. Numerous people were using my verandah to watch all this and many of the ladies were crying.