BOYS AWARDED THE "SCOUT V.C."

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23055, 4 June 1938, Page 9 (Supplement)

BOYS AWARDED THE "SCOUT V.C."

TN recognition of their having undergone great suffering in a heroic manner," three English boys have been awarded the "Scout V.C." —the Cornwell Badge—which is the highest awarded in the movement. One of them, 14-year-old PatrolLeader "Bill" Phelps, lies in bed at lii 3 home in Bournemouth, with tuberculosis of the spine. Two years ago he was at school, an enthusiastic swimmer, Rugger player, hurdler, and an accomplished young horseman. Six months later tuberculosis of the spino developed, and he had to lie on his back in a plaster fcast, suddenly deprived of all the activities .ho loved. In spite of his great handicap, he Btill has a smile for everyone he meets, and has won three Scout badges while he has been an invalid. The /second lad is Scout T. Mitchell, ttlso aged 14, who was stricken with infantile paralysis when he was 18 months old. He belongs to the Ist Jiirootes (liobin Hood's) Troop, Worksop.

The last of these young heroes has not lived to receive his badge, and the award has been made posthumously. He was Scout J?. L. Reynolds, aged 16, late of the loth Tunbridge Wells

(St. Luke's) Troop. The Cornwell Badge was established in memory of 16-year-old Jack Cornwell, one of the Scout V.C.'s of the Great War, who died at his post in the Battle of Jutland.