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May 2020 May 2020

harvest, assisted the fishing industry, spotted and reported hostile aircraft,
checked permits in restricted areas, coastal observation, despatch riding,
signalling, and even the erection of prefabricated huts for the military. They also
took over the coast watch duties from the Coastguard Service who had mobilised
as Naval Reserves. Some Sea Scouts helped man coastal patrol vessels. Many
thousands of former Scouts volunteered for service in the forces. 16 former Scouts
won VC’s, including Boy Seaman Cornwall, who won a VC, aged 16, at the Battle
of Jutland.
At the outbreak of war, Bertie Jesty, the original Scoutmaster, volunteered as a
rd
Territorial in the Royal Field Artillery and was posted with his unit, the 3 (Wessex)
Field Artillery Brigade to India, to relieve the Regular Army units there. The Brigade
subsequently served in Mesopotamia and Gallipoli. It is interesting to note that
Bertie’s army number, 2570, is only a few digits apart from that of William Johnson,
2589, the senior Patrol Leader in the Bere Regis Troop. Did they both enlist together
at the same time as volunteers at Dorchester?
The Troop continued for a short time probably organised, as many Scout Troops
were at this time, by the young 15 or 16 year old Patrol Leaders in the absence of
adult leaders. The Troop was closed down sometime in 1915 or 1916 for the
duration of the war.
With the return of Bertie Jesty after the war, the Troop was reformed on 18 April
1921 shortly after his marriage to Dot Kellaway in March. In 1921 the Parish
Magazine reported that a newly formed Boy Scout Troop met in the Vicarage
whilst a Girl’s Club met in there on a different evening; the article records that
‘both clubs fully justified their existence and the furniture is still intact’– make of
that what you will! Dorchester
As you all know the Bere Regis Scout Group continues to thrive today, serving the Framing
community as it has done for many years. Records of the intervening years are
sparse but if time and space permit we hope to bring you further highlights in Picture and framing service
future editions of the Magazine. Any anecdotes, photos or stories relating to the with a wide selection of
history of Bere Regis Scout Group would be welcome; please contact Phil mounts and frames.
Ventham on 01929 471215
Open most days but best
call first before making a
special trip.
joan@dorchesterframing.com

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