WW1

What did you do in the war Great Grand-dad?

It's something many of us have asked. Well, If you were a Scout on the Isle of Wight these are some of the things you could have done during World War 1...

National Sea Scout Rally

In August 1914 it was planned to hold the first National Sea Scout Camp in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Instead, as war with Germany was declared, Sea Scouts were drafted to act as replacements for Royal Navy personnel on Coast Watching duties, allowing the sailors to return to their ships or shore bases. Sea Scouts were inolved with these duties right up to the end of the war. They were not paid but were given RN outer clothing and an allowance for food. 

 

World War 1 Badges awarded to Scouts

Awards were made for their service in the form of badges, the badge was dependent on their amount of service. For instance the 1918 badge was awarded for 50 day's service with a minimum of 3 hour days.

Typical Scout activities

Washing up after evening meal on farm

Practicing stretcher bearing

Scouts sold lapel badges to raise funds for the YMCA

The YMCA provided buildings behind the front lines where soldiers could relax

Protecting railway bridges and lines from sabotage

Scouts collected money to buy ambulances for the war front

WWI Ambulances commonly had their sponsors names displayed

Scout cyclists learning routes around London

Scout messengers supporting the Police

Scout messengers supporting the Army

1st Newport Scout Guarding Carisbrooke Reservoir

1st Newport Scout guarding the entrance to Carisbrooke Reservoir