According to Scouts Australia, Lord Robert Baden-Powell was the founder of the Scout Movement after “he set down his views on how he would apply Scouting to the training of boys. He first conducted an experimental camp in 1907 on Brownsea Island off the Dorset coast of the UK. With some 20 boys from all walks of life and suitable adult leaders, Baden-Powell taught the boys what he meant by Scouting. They lived in tents, cooked their own food and learnt many valuable skills through games. 1 August 1907 is regarded as the beginning of the Scout Movement worldwide. The camp was a great success and proved Baden-Powell’s ideas, so he tackled the task of writing down his experience in a book. Scouting for Boys was first published in fortnightly parts, beginning 15 January 1908.”[1] Baden-Powell visited Perth in 1912.
Troops had been forming in Perth, including the 7th troop from Subiaco in which the Harrison family were involved.
William Edward Harrison was a boy scout, as was his brother Arthur “Lou”. The 1st Subiaco Scout Group was founded in 1908 and was initially known as Troop 7. The troop was formed by a group of boys of similar ages and interests. The 1st Subiaco Scouts held their meetings in the Subiaco State School.
BOY SCOUTS
On Saturday next, the 58th and 24th troops will attack the 4th and 7th troops, who will take up their position around the limekilns at Subiaco. The attackers will be under Scoutmasters Gill, Everett, and Phillips, and Deputy Scoutmasters Day, Asplin, and Ambler, and the defenders under Scoutmasters Harrison and Bennett, with their respective deputies.[2]
THE BOY SCOUTS
TROOP NOTES
Several metropolitan troops were in camp during the recent holidays.
…
Troop 7 (Subiaco) had a successful camp adjacent to the Old- Men’s Home. About 30 boys, accompanied: by S.M. Bennett and D.S.M. Standley, attended on Saturday evening. An impromptu ‘camp fire’ entertainment- was given before the residents of the home in the dining-hall. It so greatly pleased them that they are asking for an early repetition. The violin solos by P. L. Chiswell and recitations by Scout Priestly were, ‘excellently rendered.’, The little daughters of the Superintendent (Mr Rust) also assisted and were heartily received by the old men and the Scouts. Mr Rust was extremely kind to the boys. A splendid supper at his house concluded the entertainment on Saturday, and in case of wet weather during the night he allowed the boys to camp on the stage in the hall. On Sunday, he delighted them by asking for a detail of four boys to carry down to the camp a large can of soup and two enormous plum puddings, which were appreciated. The troop attended Church Service in the morning. The singing by the men was particularly good, and the sermon on ‘Zeal’ was one that should appeal to all true Scouts. The usual Scout exercises and swimming occupied the boys’ time. The winners of the recent map-drawing competition were P.L. Teede and Harrison.[3]
Bottom of Form
BOY SCOUTS.
At a competition held at Mosman’s Bay on Saturday last under the direction of Sergt. Smith (Royal Humane Society) the following scouts of the 7th troop (Subiaco) passed their swimming test:-P. L. Chiswell, Harrison, and Downy.[4]
TROOP NOTES
Troop 7 (Subiaco).— Twenty boys under S.M. Bennett, spent an enjoyable holiday at Crawley. The SM. States that the camp was the best he has held in point of discipline and behaviour. Various competitions were held, the winners being: Throwing lifeline, G Walsh; long-distance swim, H Downey; long dive, E. Ritchie; making camp lamp, fork, tooth-brush, etc, L Harrison; camp fire competition between patrols, L. Harrisons tent. It is pleasing to note that several members of the Subiaco Fire Brigade are affording the troop great assistance at present.[5]
BOY SCOUTS
By “Lone Patrol”
THE CHIEF SCOUT’S VISIT
A telegram has been received from Sir Robert Baden -Powell to the effect that he will arrive in Perth… after the public function… a ‘camp-fire’ of exceptional interest will take place during the evening…The combined troops, with the addition of any country Scouts visiting Perth for the rally, will go into camp… Special camp orders’ have been issued, and S.M.s and officers must see that they are implicitly carried out. Previous to the alteration of the Chief Scout’s date of visit Major. Hunt, of the District Military Headquarters, wrote to the hon. secretary to the effect that instructions have been issued to give leave to those Scouts who are cadets from parade on the date asked for provided they make themselves efficient or are already efficient. Major Hunt has been advised, of the alteration of date, and will no doubt accede to the council’s request. I imagine all ‘Scout’ cadets are efficient, if not, they must see to attending all parades up to June 29, when a combined rehearsal of the rally will be held.
In our Issue of May 18, mention was made regarding ‘old Scouts’ attending the chief’s rally and inspection. Providing such boys still possess the ‘real Scout’ spirit, and have been loyal to the movement, though unable to attend, they will be welcomed. They should notify either their old S.M. or troop or the Commissioner, who will register their names. If not still possessing a Scout uniform, plain clothes may be worn, with the Scout badge and, if possible, a Scout hat. Any proficiency badge’s may also be worn.[6]
THE CHIEF SCOUT
VISIT OF LIEUT-GENERAL BADEN-POWELL.
LOCAL ARRANGEMENTS
When in the course of time, the history of the Boy Scout movement in this State is written, doubtless much prominence will be given to the events which will take place during the next few days, when the moving spirit of the world-wide organisation, Lieut.General Sir Robert Baden-Powell, will be present to inspect the lads who have devoted their time and attention, under the direction of their leaders, to pursuing the tactics laid down in the first instance, by the defender of Mafeking. Monday next, it is anticipated, will in particular be the red letter day in connection with the movement, for on that occasion the Chief Scout will inspect his young followers and will witness a demonstration by them in the Zoological Gardens.
At a special meeting of the Boy Scouts’ Council, held recently, it was announced that Sir Robert Baden-Powell would arrive in Perth on Sunday next, but in view of the shipping movements, it is possible that he may not get here till Monday. On that day, as already indicated, a Boy Scouts’ rally will take place, their practical operations commencing at about 11 a.m., at the Zoological Gardens, where the lads have for some time past been actively engaged in preparing for this, to them, day of days. In all probability Sir Robert will arrive on the scene for the purpose of the inspection at about 2 o’clock. A scout camp-fire will be held in the evening. On Tuesday, at noon, the Mayor and councillors of Perth will tender to the Chief Scout a civic reception, and His Excellency the Governor has intimated his intention of holding a dinner party that evening, followed by a smoke social, to which latter the various Scout masters will be invited. On Wednesday and Thursday evenings next week the metropolitan troops will be entertained at the Town Hall and Queen’s Hall picture shows by the invitation of the respective managers. Sir Baden-Powell will leave Fremantle by the S.S. Themistocles on Wednesday next, en route for South Africa.
For the rally and demonstration on Monday arrangements of an interesting nature have been made, and the proceedings. To which the general public will be admitted by ticket procurable from the Boy Scouts’ headquarters, at 46 St. George’s-terrace, are summarised in the following official epitome:-
1. Troops will line the roadway from the Zoological Gardens gates to the Recreation Ground. They will fall in at ease in single file. Scoutmasters in front of centre of their respective troops. On the arrival of the Chief Scout, troops will come to attention, the S.M. saluting as the Chief Scout passes. Troops will then turn inwards and proceed to a position behind the swingboats.
2. On given signal 46 scouts will enter ground, and on signal of one long and two short whistles will, send semaphore message: “Hearty Welcome from Scouts of Westralia to their Chief.”
3. “Scouts at Work.”–A body of scouts on the march, once round the ground, halting in centre. Placing sentries and flag signallers. Tent pitching. Erection of huts. Installing of Field Hospital and ambulance. Laying of field telegraph. Erection of wireless apparatus. Kitchen: Preparing and cooking of food. Accident: Signal for ambulance. Attention at Field Hospital. Fire rescue work. Treatment of the apparently drowned. Relief of sentries. Recreation: Singlesticks, quarter staff, clay modelling, relay race etc.
4. At a given signal troops will rush on to ground, shouting their patrol calls. Form up in single file and then commence circular rally, closing round Chief Scout.
5. Address by the, Chief Scout. Presentation of warrant to Scout Commissioner.
Presentation of ‘Thanks Badge”‘ to Mr. Le Soeuf. Presentation’ of medal for Lifesaving to Scout E. McKenzie. Presentation of Perth (Scotland) flag to premier troop. Introduction of S.M’s. to the Chief Scout. Music will be provided by the Band of the Young Australia League.[7]
THE BOY SCOUTS
SIR R. BADEN POWELL’S VIEWS.
Lieut-General Baden Powell does not claim to have founded the Boy Scout movement. “It just started itself,” he remarked to an interviewer at Perth, and ‘growed up’ like Topsy. It sprang up, spread all over England, then all over the world. What, was the origin of scouting on the part of boys it is difficult to say. Numerous authors of it have told me how and when they invented the scheme, but its origin seems to me to be lost in the mists of antiquity. There were certainly boy scouts in Ireland 1000 years ago, a junior corps of the Knights of the Red Branch, sworn to chivalrous action and carrying ash staves in place of more military armament. The training of, the Spartan youth, like that of the ancient British, the Zulus and the Patagonians—the national training of the youth of all nations and all ages was the origin of that of the scout. Its more immediate revival lay in the training of recruits for the army. Until, we took to the human rather than to the red-tape form of training, we never got real enthusiasm and real efficiency in the rank and file, drilled never so wisely. Under ordinary
training conditions the young soldiers might be intelligent enough, and they made excellent parade soldiers, splendid at review, but with not the slightest idea how to look after themselves.
The Australian Boy.
Sir Robert has been greatly impressed with the advance made by the movement in Australia. “The Australian scout,” he said, “is rather of a different type to the boy in England. He is quicker-witted, sharper, and somewhat akin to the American boy. In England the boy scout idea was formed with a view to bringing the boys on and developing their latest talents. That is not so necessary here.”[8]
SCOUT TROOP REPORT
No. 7 (Subiaco)
A few boys camped at Blackboy Hill from Saturday till Sunday last, when a most enjoyable and instructive time was spent. Sergt. Major Shepherd, of the Engineers (who worked by Sir Robert Baden-Powell in South Africa), took great interest in the boys, and was kind enough to give them a lecture on methods of defence, explaining to them the details regarding the entrenchments that have been constructed by the troops in camp, and the utility of -barbed-wire entanglements as a means of obstruction to an invading force. He also showed them how and where mines were laid, and explained the nature of the explosives. The boys proved to be excellent listeners, and the sergeant-major’s kindness was much appreciated. The
artillery lines were also visited, and Lieut. Leschen very kindly explained and demonstrated, the mechanism of the 18-pounder guns. The Scouts took full advantage of the opportunity to ask questions, to all of which Lieut. Leschen gave explicit replies, so that the boys absorbed a large amount of useful information. On Thursday last Scouts Sharp and Priestly were passed by Mr. Instructor Haigh for the ambulance badge. Leaders Medlin, Standley, and Harrison were re-examined and well proved their title to the badge.[9]
SCOUT TROOP REPORTS
No. 7. (Subiaco):— Mr. Harrison, a friend of the troop who has devoted considerable study to first aid work, has kindly taken. up’ the’ duties of Ambulance Instructor in place of Instructor Sharpe, who has enlisted. Mrs. Hancock has also interested herself in the boys and has started a class for instruction in cookery which will be held on Saturday afternoons. On Saturday afternoon last the first outing of the newly formed ‘Rambling Club’ took place. This club is
limited to leaders, seconds and first class scouts the number at present being sixteen. Rambles will be indulged in monthly. The route chosen for Saturday last was from Claremont to the Old Men’s Home, thence to headquarters in Bagot Road. The troop’s president, Mr. W. Christie, kindly entertained the ramblers at tea, after which a most enjoyable evening was spent with music and song, in which the Misses Harrison, Dorothy Enright, and Troop Chaplain, the Rev. J. Enright, ably assisted.[10]
SCOUT TROOP REPORTS.
No. 7.— Last Saturday afternoon the troop attended a matinee at West’s Pictures, Subiaco, from the proceeds of which the troop funds will derive benefit. The programme arranged by Mr. Appleby was exceedingly good and was much enjoyed by all present. Members of the troop committee complimented Mr. Appleby oh his choice of subjects, and the healthy tone of the whole entertainment. During the interval Mr. W. Christie, president of the troop, presented to Patrol Leader
A. Harrison the ‘Appleby Gold Medal,’ he having proved himself troop champion for the year. The subjects included in the competition were swimming, observation march, shelter building, shooting, judging distances, and an examination paper of twelve questions on scouting generally. Leaders Smith, Hancock and Peet also did very good work, in this competition, which is to be an annual event.[11]
[1] https://scouts.com.au/about/what-is-scouting/history/
[2] The West Australian Friday 8 July 1910 page 7
[3] Daily News Friday 27 October 1911 page 8
[4] The West Australian Tuesday 21 November 1911 page 4
[5] The Daily News Saturday 20th April 1912 page 11
[6] The Daily News Saturday 1 June 1912 page 11
[7] The West Australian Saturday 29 June 1912 page 11
[8] The Evening Star Thursday 4 July 1912 page 3
[9] The Daily News Saturday 26 September 1914 page 8
[10] The Daily News Saturday 15 July 1916 page 2
[11] The Daily News Saturday 29 July 1916 page 9