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History of the Group
Part I: The Early Years
by Len Clark
As one who has been associated in a variety of capacities with the 1st St. Marylebone
Scout Group longer than anyone else alive it has fallen to me to write something of
the history of the Group - something that I was asked to do a couple of years ago,
but have only just got around to doing something about.
Lord Baden-Powell founded the Scout Movement in 1907 having written a book "Scouting for
Boys" based on his army experiences which was published in fortnightly parts.
We do not know exactly when the 1st St. Marylebone Group was formed, but it was
probably in 1908 and as the number implies it was the first one to be formed in the borough.
In those days it met in Charlbert Street, St. John's Wood, and was a very strong group up
until 1914 when the scouters (i.e. the leaders) and many members of the group joined the
Services. Little is known about the group, other than it was still in existence and met
at the same place until 1930 when it assumed the sub-title "The Fighting First" - I'm not
sure why this title was adopted but it seems to me that it was possibly for one of two
reasons - the fact that many members did not return home from the first world war is
one and the fact that boxing played quite a large part in the Troop programme in the
early days is another. I prefer the first of these two theories, but they are only
theories.
The Group hit the headlines as it were in the late sixties as a result of which I
received a letter from a former member which describes quite graphically the early
days of the group and I can do no better than quote from it. The author is a Bill
Smith and while we kept in touch with Christmas cards for a few years after I received
the letter the cards ceased eventually and it is almost certain that he is no longer
alibe - he would be 105 years old if he were. He wrote as follows:
"In the early days of 1915, three youngsters who had recently left school at the
age of 14 drifted up Charlbert Street, St. John's Wood, and for the want of something
better to do, invaded the old barrack building which was the Headquarters of the 1st
St. Marylebone Troop. Once inside that weather-beaten door they found a magical change
from anything they had known.
In a large hall were parallel bars, large mats and a peculiar single bar about eight
feet up from the floor. The walls were adorned with singlesticks, masks, flags and
rifles and with some thin swords with blobs on the end and metal hoods above them.
At intervals were long poles with funny little flags on the tops. These flags showed
animals or birds. But most interesting of all were several sets of boxing gloves which
could not be resisted, for at that time nearly every boy idolised Bombardier Billy Wells.
Into this land of delight came an old gentleman with a dog-collar (actually he was
all of 43 years of age) who said 'Hello boys, have you come to join?' Well, when you're
caught you're caught so we said 'Yes', and the dear old devil-dodger booked us in as
Robert Miller, Harold Gulson and (self) Willie Smith.
We were drafted into the Kangaroos under a Patrol Leader named Atkinson aged 26, but we
soon lost him for he joined the army. The next one did the same and in a relatively short
period we had one aged 16. Each one pushed us on a bit and we got through prelims and
Investiture alright. Those dear friends, the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster -
John Fitzsimmons and the Rev. J.M. Cobbett - were so much more friendly than our recent
schoolmasters and we did not mind so much when the Rev. tapped us around at singlestick
practice.
It was a troop of human greyhounds. What with boxing, gymnastics, singlestick,
quarterstaff, Westmorland and Cumberland wrestling, ju-jitsu and long-distance running,
there was no time for any fat to get settled. Periodical Patrol competitions created
the urge to be fit and the Rev. made sure that we did not overdo things. He was himself
a Cambridge Blue. But first and foremost was the Scout Spirit, the love of the Chief,
knowledge of the ten Laws and an honest endeavour to keep the Promise. These things have
built up that depth of friendship which is unknown to many other movements. Show the
badge, throw up a salute and a smile, and we never need be lonely.
We were fortunately placed for running practice. A bit of a drag to Swiss Cottage and
up Fitzjohns Avenue, and then away across Hampstead Heath and Parliament Hill Fields
before coming on to the road again back to HQ. Despite his hoary age the Rev. was usually
in the first four home. For short distance training we used the Regents Park Outer Circle,
a mere 3 1/2 miles from and back to HQ. Miller, my best friend, was a demon, making us do
this trip three times a week.
The war was still on and the time came when Zeppelins arrived, and later the Fokkers and
Gothas. Three of the Troop buglers were co-opted by the police to travel round in cars
at the end of the air raids playing the "All Clear". Sometimes in very cold weather I
found myself detaching fingers one by one from that darned bugle.
In the summer of 1917 we went to summer camp at Leysdown, Isle of Sheppey. By this time
the war had called on so many men and youths that I was acting Assistant Scoutmaster with
an 18 year-old ex Black and Tan to help. We learned much at that camp but my fondest memory
is of Dickie Smith (no relation) playing "Retreat", pausing at the end of each phase to let
the echo come back over the water. Marvellous. And of the Sunday Church Parade when the
Vicar took as his text "And Pontius Pilate - er, spoke - er, to the people - er, saying -
er, what is truth - er..."
I remember that the old Headquarters stopped a V.1. rocket during this last war, and
assume that it has now been demolished. Its purpose had been served in housing hundreds
of youngsters who learned the value of sincere friendship and the usefulness in later
life of the very mixed training received.
I hope that I have not bored you. It was such a thrill to read that my old Troop was
rejuvenated that I felt the urge to tell something of its early days. Bless the fates
that took three kids through that old door to meet those wonderful people, the Skip
and the Reverend, to find happiness and the wonderful friendship that the Badge represents.
The 1st Broadheath have put up with me for 35 years, and the present youngsters are good
enough to be kind to the out-of-date old'un. My most sincere wish is that they get as
much fun from the Game as I have enjoyed from the time that I joined the 1st St. Marylebone.
Success to your efforts,
Yours fraternally,
Bill
To be continued.
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