[English] A HEROIC FRENCH BOY SCOUT.

A HEROIC FRENCH BOY SCOUT.

Lieut.-Gen. Sir Robert Baden-Powell, addressing a central meeting of Boy Scouts at the Guildhall, told of work done by French Boy Scouts in the neighbourhood of the fighting line. A heroic deed by one French scout was described in a letter found on the body of a dead German. General Baden-Powell read the letter, which follows:-

"A traitor has just been shot a little French lad belonging to one of those gymnastic societies which wears the tri-colour button. The poor little fellow, in his infatuation, wanted to be a hero.

"A German column was passing along a wooded defile and the boy was caught and asked whether the French were about. He refused to give information. Fifty yards further on fire was opened from the cover of the wood.

"The prisoner was asked in French if he had known that the enemy was in the forest, and he did not deny it. He went with firm steps to a telegraph post and stood up against it, with a green vineyard behind him, and received the volley of the firing party with a proud smile on his face. Infatuated boy - it was a pity to see such wasted courage."

Source:

1. Page 7, "Hong Kong Daily Press", Friday, 12th July, 7th Year of the Republic of China

   • 5th Day, 6th Lunar Month, Wu-wu Year

   • Friday, 12th July, 1918 Common Era

2. Page 5, "China Mail", Saturday, 27th July, 7th Year of the Republic of China

   • 20th Day, 6th Lunar Month, Wu-wu Year

   • Saturday, 27th July, 1918 Common Era