The above photograph (ref.: NNHS A026-014) is of 1st Newhaven
Scouts taken in 1917.
With the First World War breaking out during the school holidays in August 1914, the buildings were taken over by the military as interim accommodation. The schools remained closed until 12 October 1914, meaning the children enjoyed a 10 week summer holiday! The military commandeered the schools again on 14 December, so the children had just a little over two months schooling in the Autumn.
The impact of the extended school holidays, and reduced hours, did have its positives, as some scouts volunteered to act as messengers for the navy. Captain Daintree, the Divisional Naval Transport Officer in charge of the port, wrote to the Admiralty on 6 October 1914:
‘I was able to obtain the services of 8 boy scouts who relieve each other in 4 watches, two boys to a watch, from 6am to 10pm. I have found them the greatest use, they act as messengers to myself and the officer on duty on the quay, and also for several hours a day relieve the Marines as office orderlies, there are only two marines who would otherwise have to keep watch and watch. Observing that these boys volunteered their services and are therefore in receipt of no pay whatever, I would submit a favourable consideration whether they may be granted 1/- per week as a reward for good behaviour.’
His request was approved on 13 October 1914.
Another three scouts also took on duties at the port, and in recognition of their work, a special ceremony was held on 13 September 1915. The boys were presented with Scouts War Service badges by Commander Garrett, R.N. who explained that, sadly, after a few months of the scouts working at the port, they had received ‘an intimation’ from the Admiralty, that only boys aged 14 or over should be employed. This ruled out all but two of the Newhaven boys.
However, the war service badges were presented to all those Newhaven lads ‘who had earned them by assisting their King and country at a very critical time’. Badges were presented to F. Browning, W. Crooks, A. Harris, R. Holden, Norton, J. Pierce, W. Rogers, W. Sexton, S. Seal, H. Taylor and C. Voice.
This and many other stories can be found in Newhaven’s Women and Children by Jenny Flood, part of the Newhaven’s First World War series.
