The War Years

8th May 1939 was the last recorded meeting of the Group Committee. The records of the ups and downs of the Group during 1939-1945 have been lost to posterity and only one or two items are known. The Rover Crew which had formed itself into the Kent 39 Red Cross Detachment during 1939 disbanded as eventually all members enlisted. The Commandant had been Mr. Basil Jeans (who had also been the leading light behind the pre-war Group Mouth Organ Band!). Gradually most of the Scouters and older members of the Group β€˜joined-up’ and the Group in common with many others combined with neighbouring Groups. Two of the Groups with whom the 41st combined were the 43rd Beckenham (Emmanuel, West Wickham) and towards the end of the war the 17th Bromley (Keston). There were of course many Scouters during this time, but the one who stands out most is Mrs. Brooks, who at one time ran the Cubs, Brownies, Scouts and Guides in Coney Hall.

The next recorded meeting was on 9th October 1945 when a meeting of parents was called by the Group Scoutmaster, Mr. P. Way. The urgent need was for Scouters. It was reported that the Pack had Β£8 in hand, but the Troop had a deficit of Β£8! At this meeting Mr. A. W. Sheaf an old Scouter from Camberwell, volunteered to become Cubmaster, whilst Mr. Way continued to run the Scout Troop. A committee of parents was formed with the Rev. Shelley Lawson as Chairman, Mr. Twyford, Treasurer, Mr. J. Clear, Secretary and Mr. Wilson.