How did Hitler directly affect Scouting?

There are many ways that WW2 affected Scouts in many countries. But there are a couple of ways where Hitler's influence directly affected Scouting.

Scout Cruise

In 1933 B.P. filled a ship called the Calgaric with Scouts and Guides to visit Holland, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Sweden and Norway. It was called “The Peace Cruise”.

As you can see from some of the photos from the visit, Scouts and Guides from some of those countries (including Lithuania) were already using the Nazi salute.

Find out more about the Scout Cruises in our post at:

https://isleofwightscoutingheritage.blogspot.com/2023/09/peace-cruises.html

Thank You Badge

Have you ever seen a Scout "Thank You" badge?

It's based on the "Scout" version of the Fleur-ds-lys, i.e. there are stars in the 2 side feathers.

But this version of the badge was only introduced in 1939, because the previous design became unacceptable ......... because the original “Thank You" badge design was based on a swastika which became closely associated with Germany.

From What Scouts Can Do - More Yarns — Baden-Powell, 1921;

"… as you know from the account of the Swastika Thanks Badge which I have given to you in Scouting for Boys, the symbol was used in almost every part of the world in ancient days and therefore has various meanings given to it.

"Anyway, whatever the origin was, the Swastika now stands for the badge of fellowship among Scouts all over the world, and when anyone has done a kindness to a Scout it is their privilege to present him or her with this token of their gratitude, which makes him a sort of member of the Brotherhood, and entitles him to the help of any other Scout at any time and at any place.

"I want specially to remind Scouts to keep their eyes open and never fail to spot anyone wearing this badge. It is their duty then to go up to such a person, make the scout sign, and ask if they can be of service to the wearer."

Robert Baden-Powell

The word Swastika in Sanskrit is composed of two words, "Su" (good) and "Asati" (to exists) which means "May good prevail.“, So it also represents happiness, and is often displayed at celebrations, cultural and religious ceremonies, and at weddings or festivals of the Indian tradition. The Swastika also is a symbol of auspiciousness, peace and prosperity.