Talks over the transfer of the site to Bermuda are understood to be continuing between Government and Canada.

April saw the red maple leaf officially lowered for the last time at Daniel's Head.

Since then there has been a steady withdrawal of personnel.

Base spokesman Major Syd Helmkay said just 18 people -- dubbed a "rear party'' -- remained.

"After April's closure of operations we have been picking up all the furniture and effects and shutting everything down,'' he said.

Base to close by New Year "People have been moved back to Canada over the last three months.'' He added: "We have been engaged in a clean-up operation to make sure everything is in a good state of repair.'' Major Helmkay said he did not know how negotiations between Bermuda and Canada were progressing.

But the latest information was that the base would be handed over on December 31.

Major Helmkay said there was a sense of resignation among base personnel over the closure.

"Obviously there is disappointment that we have to leave. If you asked people they would say they would prefer to stay.

"But the world situation has changed, and part of the peace dividend is to cut down on miltary forces.'' Major Helmkay said he was unaware of some reports that personnel were dissappointed Bermuda's Government had not planned an official farewell.

"I have not heard anything about that,'' he said.

He added Bermuda's Government had always been "fair and open'' in its dealings over the base.