COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE

Centenary of Scouting

Issue Date: 23rd July 2007





'Our Ship'

In their Centennial Year it is right that the 29 million Scouts worldwide should look back on the pioneering work of the past and the success it has brought. Sea Scouts still flourish across the globe. Scouts on the Falkland Islands will join in the worldwide celebrations of Scouting's Centennial with their own special 'Sunrise Ceremony' on August 1st commemorating Baden-Powell's (B-P) first 'experimental' Scout Camp on Brownsea Island, Dorset.

In June 1937 the Scouts heard the amazing news that possibly the most historic vessel still afloat that could be directly linked to tales of high adventure and daring-do was to be given to them. RRS 'Discovery', which was moored in the Falkland Islands, was to brought back to the U.K. and given to the Scout Association.

The official announcement in the 'The Scouter' magazine ran:

"A week or so ago the Colonial Office made an announcement of this important gift. Lady Houston has presented funds for the upkeep of 'Discovery'. It will serve a number of purposes:
- Memorial to Captain Scott
- Headquarters for Sea Scouts
- Training centre for 'poor and unemployed' Scouts
- Rendezvous for Deep-Sea Scouts
- Hostel for overseas Scouts passing through London."

The nation learnt of the gift when the BBC announced that the newly-crowned King, George VI, had graciously sanctioned the retention of the title Royal Research Ship (RRS) for 'Discovery' whilst she was in Scout ownership.

Before the Scout Association could take over the vessel from the Government of the Falkland Islands, much had to be done. It was unthinkable that, in Scout ownership, this historic ship should look anything but her best. It was, after all, a national memorial to the Antarctic heroes who had sailed aboard her, foremost of whom were Scott, Oates and Wilson, so high standards would need to be achieved and maintained. The permission of the Port of London Authority was obtained to moor 'Discovery' in the most accessible part of the Thames near Temple Tube Station on The Embankment. There was much to do in preparation; dredging, pier building, reconditioning and providing facilities for parties of 20 Scouts to sleep on board. On the October 9th, 1937, both sides of the ship and the piers were lined with lusty Sea Scouts as HRH the Duke of Kent, Commodore of the Sea Scouts and Deep Sea Scouts, accepted 'Discovery' from Sir Herbert Henniker-Heaton, the Governor of the Falkland Islands, in the presence of the Chief Scout and the Rt. Hon. W G Ormsby-Gore, Secretary of State for the Colonies. It is this historic 'handing-over' which is the subject for our Scouting Centennial stamps.

Along with the expected dignitaries and VIPs was Scout Marr of the Quest, who had been chosen, as the result of a competition, to accompany Shackleton on the 1921 Rowett Quest expedition. Marr went on to become one of the UK's foremost polar scientists. Other guests included men who had sailed aboard the ship and the widows of notable polar explorers including Lady Kennet, the widow of Captain Scott. The Duke of Kent, dressed in his uniform of Commodore of Sea Scouts, reminded the assembly of the ship's outstanding history and Captain Armitage, who had sailed with Scott in the 'Discovery', also made a speech as, of course, did B-P. After the guests were escorted off the vessel, B-P came back on board to have a chat with the Sea Scouts.

The nation again took 'Discovery' to their hearts and for Scouts 'Our Ship' became a proud possession. Countless thousands still have fond memories of her. Douglas Robertson joined the 22nd Walthamstow Sea Scout Group in 1930. He could not find paid-work as prospective employers knew his 'call-up' to the services might be imminent. Rather than live in this limbo, he decided to join a course for signallers on the 'Discovery', as he had been told this would ensure his call-up to the Royal Navy. In fact 2,500 Sea Scouts were to pass through special entry courses for the Navy, one in four of these boys being successful in gaining Naval Commissions.

'Discovery' escaped bomb damage in the blitz, but a trailing cable from a barrage balloon snagged her rigging, ripping off one of the yard-arms. It was subsequently found that the yards were rotten and so they were removed and the Admiralty ordered that 'Discovery's' engines and boilers be removed for scrap.

After the war 'Discovery' was used as a meeting place and for training purposes. With reconstruction going on all around her there was nobody and no money to spare; she barely earned her keep. This was all to change in 1951 when the old ship once again became a centre of attention. In spring floods overwhelmed Canvey Island and Discovery's boats were used in the rescue operation. Later on that year as a part of the Festival of Britain 'Discovery' became the focus of a Sea Scout Antarctic Exhibition, complete with 'snow', tents and polar exploration equipment, and was much visited.

Regrettably however rising maintenance costs for 'Discovery' became too high for the Scout Association to bear. She was offered to the Admiralty and, after being used as a hostel for programme sellers during the June 1953 Coronation festivities, she was transferred to Royal Navy ownership. For the thousands of Scouts, who had had the opportunity to stay or work onboard, it was a sad day. On board 'Discovery' their imaginations had been stirred and many went on to join the merchant and Royal navies, one rising to the rank of Commander.

Baden-Powell saw the ship for the last time in 1938, prior to his departure to Africa, knowing it was likely to be his last visit. He went for a stroll along The Embankment and went on board unannounced. Naturally, he was soon recognised and spoke to visitors and crew and stayed for tea. The old ship and the grand old man parted company for the last time, but both have given something special to the youth of the nation.

Colin Walker

Colin is the author of the popular Scout History Website scouting.milestones.btinterent.co.uk where the full Scout history of RSS 'Discovery' is displayed.



Technical details:

Text Setting Andrew Robinson
Printer Cartor
Process Stochastic Lithography
Perforation 13 per 2cms
Stamp size 28 x 42mm
Sheet Layout 50 (2 x 25)
Release date 23rd July 2007
Production Co-ordination Creative Direction (Worldwide) Ltd

On the First Day Cover The RRS 'Discovery' Shoulder Tape, Penant, and Scout Christmas card are reproduced with the kind permission of Colin Walker.

The images portrayed on the stamps are taken from the beautiful photograph album presented to Governor Henniker-Heaton after the ceremony. They are reproduced courtesy of the Cameron Family.



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