Rushden Research Group: 5th Rushden Air Scouts

Bernard Bigley, 2008

5th Rushden Air Scouts

AIR SCOUTS are part and parcel of the Boy Scouts Association and as with the other and better known specialised branch, the Sea Scouts, its members receive the same basic training as the normal Boy Scout. They make the same Promise and keep the same Scout Law. They are encouraged to camp and hike and to love the outdoor life and receive additional training in various aeronautical subjects to enable them to undertake the tests for a number of special Air Proficiency Badges.
The Boy Scout Movement started in 1908 but it was not until 1941 that Air Scouting was instituted to cater for the ever growing numbers of young citizens of the Air Age. In 1951 the Air Ministry approved a scheme whereby Air Scout Troops which fulfilled certain conditions would be granted official recognition, thus making them eligible to receive assistance, when practicable, from the R.A.F.

The Scout Master was Oswald Lawrence from Raunds who was, I think, the Musical Director of several Operatic Societies. We had a scout band of about 10 members and took part in Rushden Carnival a time or two. I was a side drummer. Oswald worked for Bignells Ltd and he would arrange fund raising events in Bignells Canteen such as Beetle Drives and Fish & Chip Suppers, to raise funds for our group. In the 1950's I purchased a Royal Enfield WD/CO 350cc motorcycle and my fellow member Harvey Britten had a Triumph 500sv. I have memories of us taking my engine to pieces in Harvey's front room and his parents hardly objected - happy days! Bernard Bigley, 2008
	Evening Telegraph, 20 Sept 1995. The sky's the limit HERE we go back to the 1940s — the decade when daring air crews flying from local bases provided the heroes for many young lads. However, few were able to indulge their fascination with flight to the extent of the boys of the 5th Rushden Air Scouts, formed in 1941. They were the first of their kind in the county and they were unique at the time in having their own aircaft — the gift of a gentleman from Wilby. The aircraft was kept in a paddock off Washbrook Road.
5th Rushden Air Scouts 1942 - Evening Telegraph - Sept 1995
The photograph prompted this response from Harvey Britten: I have just been shown a copy of the Evening Telegraph for Wednesday, September 20, [1995] and refer to the photograph on page 8. This brings back memories of when I lived in Rushden and it was the first time I came into actual contact with a "real aeroplane". I was eleven years old at the time and appear second from the left on the second row from the bottom. I am now Chief Flying Instructor at the College of Aeronautics, Cranfield, Bedford and due to retire soon after over 30 years of flying. Harvey Britten

Rushden Echo & Argus, 4th September 1942, transcribed by Kay Collins

Air Scouts—On Saturday the Rushden Air Scouts held a week-end camp at Raunds and put in some good work for the 1st Class Badge. On Monday they held an inter-patrol competition in aircraft recognition and in the markings of aircraft, both civil and Service. Afterwards they did patrol work. The Air Scouts have also had a most interesting talk on aircraft affairs from Sergt. B. Clark, R.A.F., who recounted some of his flying experiences. D. Taylor, W. Ager, B. Groome and G. Inwood have been promoted to Patrol Leaders and G. Wells and J. Hardwick to be Seconds. Ken James is the new Troop Leader. A Troop library is being started with R. Ainge and J. Jackson as librarians.

Rushden Echo & Argus, 23^rd October 1942

Luckiest Boys in The County
Rushden Air Scouts Have Own 'Plane

First troop of their kind in Northamptonshire, Rushden Air Scouts now consider themselves the luckiest. The aeroplane about which they are grouped in the picture is their own. They can dismantle it, put it together again, wheel it about and use it in various other ways to help their studies.

They could even taxi or fly the machine if circumstances permitted, for the Spartan biplane is in full flying order and was in regular service until the war stopped civil aviation.

The 'plane is the generous gift of Mr. Jack Linnell, of Wilby, whose only stipulation is that he will want the engine again one day. It arrived a fortnight ago, Messrs. P.X. Ltd., bringing it free of charge from the farm where it had been kept.

Then came the thrill of assembling the machine and the excitement of handling it in professional style at Mr. Fred Swindall's paddock off Washbrook-road.

One result of the 'plane's arrival has been a rush to enlist in the troop, which now consists of about 40 boys—all "terribly keen" to study the control and get the "feel" of their own neat little craft.

5th Rushden Air Scouts 1942

The troop was formed 12 months ago and has made fine progress on sound lines under Mr. O. L. Lawrence, who, though better known for his musical gifts, is well versed in aviation and has been serving in the Observer Corps. Mr. Lawrence is seen on the left of the picture. As Group Scoutmaster he secured Mr. Linnell's interest and sporting offer. Assisting him are master E. Bryon (not on the picture) and Troop Leader K. James, the taller figure on the right.

Rushden's Air Scouts are all below the A.T.C. age. They had another thrill a few days ago when they journeyed to an aerodrome in the Midlands and were allowed aboard some of the big bombers.

From "Keep Laughing with Air Ada" by R. W. Norman
Published in aid of St John Ambulance Motor Ambulance Appeal

Be Prepared

Just over thirty years ago.
When scouting was in infancy
A local troop first blossomed forth,
Conducted by the late "F.E."
We revelled in the arts and crafts
of scouthood with a youthful zeal.
And honoured is the band on which
The British boy has set his seal.

Spare time — school time as well — was spent
In study of the scouting lore.
We made flags white and blue-striped too.
To practise Morse and semaphore
Our pockets bulged with lengths of cord
(whilst household blinds all came to grief)
To tie a multitude of knots —
The sheepshank, clove-hitch and the reef.

Pedestrians in Station-road
Oft heard the calls of Fox and Bear,
The hooting owl, the roaring Lion,
As loud patrol calls split the air;
And through the long unblacked-out night
Our dreams would happy pictures weave
Of two tape strips upon our chest -
A dozen badges on each sleeve.

But keeping pace with Father Time
The modern scout researches share
Not only signals, knots, but now
Applied mechanics of the air.
The older lads, with tireless zest,
Have formed among themselves a group
To understudy A.T.C.
And call themselves the Air Scout Troop.

And soon (in theory) they'll speed
On trackless paths beneath the stars
They'll talk of camber, slotted wings,
Of clocks and props and rudder bars;
Of wind resistance, ceiling deck,
And pancakes (not Shrove Tuesday kind)
And engine housing ailerons
The magic skill of flying blind

So laddies of the A.S.T.
We'd like to wish you all the best
And hope in days to come we'll see
You've all passed through Air Scout test.
Yet, more than that you will have shown
That by your efforts you have shared
The wisdom of the mighty phrase
The Boy Scout motto - "Be Prepared"

If you have any memories to share, please contact us.

Scouting in Rushden