Guarding the shores

One of the first roles that Scouts undertook was supporting the Coastguard.  The fear of invasion by Germany was a very real threat so watching the coast, ports and estuaries was crucial work.

Scouts were supervised by the coastguard but under the orders of their Patrol Leaders and were responsible for their own activities and actions.  This was a very practical example of one of Scouting’s core practices, giving boys independence.  As the photos below show activities included coast watching, sending signals and delivering messages.  The Scouts weren’t paid but received a basic subsistence allowance.  At first this work was undertaken by Sea Scouts who specialised in water based activities, however, as word spread other Scout groups volunteered to take to part.

On to: Working the land