On the eve of the Japanese invasion, Hughes was the commander of the Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps raised the number of the auxiliary force from 1,175 to 2,400 in June 1941, by recruiting men over 55 with military experience. The force was named "Hughesliers" after Hughes. When he retired to England, the Volunteers came under the command of Major J. J. Paterson, taipan of the Jardine, Matheson &amp; Co..