A major event for the Troop (as it was then), was of course, World War 1. During that War, eighteen of our Scouts were killed while serving in the Army. After the war, a memorial was put in Church (although only 12 were recorded!) and a stained glass window depicting St. George was dedicated to the Scout Troop. You can see more about them by looking at our on-line memorial page.
As part of an article in the Evening Sentinel from Monday 3rd February 1941, it states –
It is interesting and worthy to note that 36 Boy Scouts from the Church served in the Great War and 12 were killed.
This article was published on the death of Fr Nash. Of course, we now know the number of Scouts killed in the Great war was 18.
One of the people mentioned on the memorial is Rev. Frederick Walter Cleveland MC. He was awarded the Military Cross for ‘great gallantry and devotion to duty’. This citation was published in the London Gazette dated 3 October 1919. You can read his full citation here. It is a shame that his courage led to his death.
Photograph courtesy of the Hickton Family
This photograph shows Aly and Colin Jackson in their army uniforms. Both were killed in the Great War, but only Colin is listed on the Scout’s war memorial. Aly is listed on the main memorial. However, it is possible Aly was a Porthill Scout.
The War Memorial was dedicated on Sunday 27th April 1924. Here are two mentions of the Memorial from the St. Andrew’s Parochial Church Council’s minute book –
Extract from PCC minutes. Meeting held at the Hall 10th April 1924
With regard to the memorial windows, the Vicar stated they were well in hand and proposed the unveiling of the Nevitt window be on Low Sunday in the afternoon and the Scout window on St. George’s Day at night.
This was seconded by Mr. J Stevenson and carried unanimously.
The Vicar proposed Mr. Ronald Copeland be asked to unveil the Scout Window and also asked Mr. E Graves who was the first Scout Master.
The Nevitt window the Vicar proposed Miss Hall who was also providing the musical service. Both met with full approval of the meeting.
The Vicar stated the plates were in hand. The mahogany tablet for the Scout window, Mr. T Taylor had kindly given the wood, Mr. George Smith was preparing it and Mr. Lawton had promised to do the lettering.
Extract from PCC minutes. Meeting held in the Vestry Tuesday 9th June 1926
Mention was made of the Book of Remembrance that was made by Rev. A A Cox (curate) in his own time.
It was suggested that it be put in a wooden display case which would cost £6/-.
We now know a great deal more information about these Scouts and this information is available on our Remembrance website.