The Country Calls

The outbreak of the First World War had an enormous impact on Scouting. Thousands of Scouts and their leaders joined up, including Roland, who became a Lieutenant in the 9th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers.

Roland’s lectures and books encouraging responsibility amongst young people became increasingly important for the remaining Scouts, helping them take on the leadership of their Scout troops and enabling the movement to continue.

Before leaving for the Front, Roland purchased a house in East London to establish a centre for Scouting for the area. He stated that in the event of his death it was to be left to East London Scouts.  Roland maintained a constant stream of communication with his Scouting friends and his letters tell how greatly he missed Scouting.  His friends back in Britain, including Scouting’s Founder, Robert Baden-Powell, wrote asking for his advice on Scouting and he was full of ideas and aspirations for Scouting after the War.