The now merged 1st Albert Park scout troop was first set up in 1907: "one of the first scout troops in Australia". (See also this article and this.) The scouts met for many years in the hall adjoining St Silas Church on Bridport Street in Albert Park.
The Chief Scout and founder of the scouting movement, Lord Robert Baden-Powell visited Melbourne in 1912 where he approved Australia's cadet system. During this year, the 1st Victorian Sea Scouts (also previously referred to as the King's Own Scouts) were established in Albert Park. In 1914, Victoria's first Sea Scouts Association was formed. In 1915, the Ancient Mariners Society donated the Albert Park sea scouts' first boat. This was followed by the creation of a club-house for Victoria's sea scouts on Albert Park Lake in 1916 (this article mentions 1914 as the date). You can view an early "1st Albert Park" bass drum at Scouts Victoria's heritage museum here. Read some interesting tidbits about Australia's claim to establishing the world's first scouts here. |
The following were registered on 6 May 1912 as "VICTORIAN SEA SCOUTS" although this may not mean that they were part of the 1st Victorian Sea Scouts:
Hector Bastin (reg=441, page 66, book A) - A plumber by trade, Hector joined the army on 17th August 1914 as a sergeant. He was registered as living at 729 Lygon Street, North Carlton. Promoted to Major, "Hec" was stationed in Krithia, Turkey during the First World War which is part of the Gallipoli as we know it. "Hec" also served in the Second World War. In his book "Gallipoli", Les Carlyon mentions Hector Bastin on page 251. Hector had a distinguished military career, and was awarded with multiple medals including a Military Cross (MC) in 1917.
Trevor Krone (reg=442, page 66, book A) - Trevor appears to have been part of the foundation of the YMCA in Victoria and the Trojan Club of East Melbourne. Unfortunately Trevor suffered an illness and passed away at the age of 22 whilst rabbit shooting. Based in east Melbourne.
George Bruce (reg=443, page 66, book A) - Possibly worked at The Argus before joining up in WW1, however there are a significant number of similar names.
Edmond Nicholson (reg=444, page 66, book A) - Possibly from Essendon/Ascot Vale
Frederic Williams (reg=445, page 66 book A)
Douglas Taylor (reg=446, page 66, book A)
Balfour Melville (reg=447, page 66, book A)
W. A. Matthews (reg=448, page 66, book A)
Alan John (A.J.) Villiers, later a noted sea captain and film-maker, is also said to have been one of the first members.
Hector Bastin (reg=441, page 66, book A) - A plumber by trade, Hector joined the army on 17th August 1914 as a sergeant. He was registered as living at 729 Lygon Street, North Carlton. Promoted to Major, "Hec" was stationed in Krithia, Turkey during the First World War which is part of the Gallipoli as we know it. "Hec" also served in the Second World War. In his book "Gallipoli", Les Carlyon mentions Hector Bastin on page 251. Hector had a distinguished military career, and was awarded with multiple medals including a Military Cross (MC) in 1917.
Trevor Krone (reg=442, page 66, book A) - Trevor appears to have been part of the foundation of the YMCA in Victoria and the Trojan Club of East Melbourne. Unfortunately Trevor suffered an illness and passed away at the age of 22 whilst rabbit shooting. Based in east Melbourne.
George Bruce (reg=443, page 66, book A) - Possibly worked at The Argus before joining up in WW1, however there are a significant number of similar names.
Edmond Nicholson (reg=444, page 66, book A) - Possibly from Essendon/Ascot Vale
Frederic Williams (reg=445, page 66 book A)
Douglas Taylor (reg=446, page 66, book A)
Balfour Melville (reg=447, page 66, book A)
W. A. Matthews (reg=448, page 66, book A)
Alan John (A.J.) Villiers, later a noted sea captain and film-maker, is also said to have been one of the first members.