[English] WAR STORY OF A DEVON SEA SCOUT. AMERICAN ADMIRATION.

WAR STORY OF A DEVON SEA SCOUT.

AMERICAN ADMIRATION.

The following story will arouse a feeling of patriotic pride for a young Devon lad who "did his bit," and at a time when men of influence are endeavouring to foster small boat sailing it has particular interest in showing the value of a knowledge of the handling of small craft:-

"During the man shortage in England in war-time the little harbour of Salcombe was under the control of a troop of six Sea Scouts, who for three years had stood 'four on and eight off,' two boys to a watch, taking the responsibilities of harbourmaster and pilot. In November, 1918, a detachment of American submarine chasers put in for shelter in the Start river, intending to anchor off Salcombe. Inside the bar the skipper of the leading chaser saw a small boy rowing out in a scrap of a skiff to meet the column. In spite of the steep chop he handled his boat with a skill which brought all hands on deck to watch and admire.

ACCORDING TO "COCKER."

"When across the course of the chasers the lad stood, braced himself against the thwarts, whipped out a pair of semaphore flags, and ordered the column to heave to. There was a clanging of engine-room signals, the fleet checked headway, and the leading vessel acknowledged the signal. The boy continued: 'What ships and nation? What do you want?' The quartermaster returned: 'U.S. sub-chasers. C.O. requests permission to anchor in harbour.' The answer was 'Stand by.'

"The boy then semaphored with incredible rapidity considering the activity of his skiff to another boy in a signal station on shore, who in turn telephoned the senior officer of the district in Plymouth for the permission. In less than five minutes the Scout in the skiff acknowledged a signal from shore granting the permission, relayed it to the quartermaster, and added 'I will come aboard and pilot column to anchor.'

WHELP OF THE BRITISH LION.

"No coxswain ever laid his boat alongside more prettily than that 15-year-old boy. His oars were snapped in-board flat on the thwarts with one motion. He came over the side with the painter in his teeth, and came to attention to salute the flag even as his feet hit the deck. Escorted to the bridge, he shook hands gravely with the skipper after saluting, and was as gravely asked to take charge.

"It was an amazing thing to see that youngster, bare kneed, less than four feet tall, take command of a 110ft. vessel. He gave the order to the signal quartermaster to instruct the other vessels to follow the flagship and anchor abeam when the anchor was let go, and himself took the engine-room telegraph. The skipper very soon overcame his momentary apprehension. A chaser was never more smartly brought to an anchor.

"The boy was not showing off; there was nothing self-conscious in looks or manner. He was doing a job for his country, and taking pride in doing it well.

The story first appeared in the last issue of the American "Motor Boat."

Source:

1. Page 7, "Hong Kong Daily Press", Friday, 13th April, 12th Year of the Republic of China

   • 28th Day, 2nd Lunar Month, Gui-hai Year

   • Friday, 13th April, 1923 Common Era