Nine 2nd Walworth Scouts

(Died 1912)

  • William Beckham – Aged 12
  • Albert Dack – Aged 11
  • Noel Filmer – Aged 14
  • Thompson Filmer – Aged 12
  • Harry Gwynn – Aged 13
  • Percy Huxford – Aged 12
  • James Skipsey – Aged 12
  • Edward Smith – Aged 11
  • Frank Masters – Aged 14

On the 4th August 1912, 8 scouts from the 2nd Walworth and a trainee from HMS Arethusa were drowned 2 miles off the coast of Leysdowne on their way to summer camp with the Sheppey Scouts. They had sailed down the Thames from Walworth and were caught in a freak squall that capsized their boat. Around 24+ went into the water at 1.55pm and many were saved by the Leysdowne coastguard and the Sheppey scouts. They are all buried in Nunhead Cemetary and on 4th August 2012 there was be a memorial service held at the chapel in the cemetary at 1.30pm and then moved on to the group grave, where Rex Batten retold the story of the nine Scouts and also told us all about the grave stone and how it was stolen but replaced for free by Kellaways Funeral Service.

Put your phone down and what are you left with? Just teamwork, courage and the skills to succeed.’
Bear Grylls, Chief Scout Bear Grylls