ProvenanceThis badge is a souvenir of the Scout Rally held in South Australia in 1917. A precursor to the modern day jamboree, the rally involved large groups of Scouts coming from all over Australia (except WA) to join in a week of Scout-themed entertainment. After discussion to delay the rally due to the ongoing war in Europe, the decision was made to go ahead with the SA rally. The rally involved a march on the Saturday from Victoria Square to Montefiore Hill. It was led by the Naval band, who were followed by Sea Scouts, then the interstate and Country Scouts. Next came the Pipers Band followed by the Metropolitan Scouts, cyclists, the Our Boys Institute band with the Details and Ambulance Scouts in the rear. After the march, the 1000 Scouts lined up at the Torrens Parade Ground for inspection by the Governor, Sir Henry Galway, while he and other high-ranking government and military persons, as well as Scout branch Commissioners, stood at the saluting base. Several thousand spectators gathered to watch on. This ceremony was followed by some demonstrations performed by the Scouts, including trek cart competitions, tent pitching, signalling, cutglass drills, stretcher and gun drills. On the nearby River Torrens there were boat races, a rocket exhibition and lifesaving drills.
The rally continued for a week with activities prepared for the boys. Some highlights were the free trip to Brighton, a reception put on by the Mayor at the Adelaide Town Hall, a visit to the Gulf organised by the Minister of Marine and a ceremony at the Our Boys Institute.SignificanceIllustrative of activities organised by the Scouts and the souvenirs produced by their members.
The Scouts have developed from Baden Powell’s general idea that scouting builds character. The nature of the Scouts and their activities has changed since 1917 due to the evolving interests of Scouts and the members’ input of what they want to learn and get out of Scout membership. Today the Scouts are known as “Messengers of Peace”, a title given to them by the United Nations to reflect that the Scouts are making a difference in the global community. The Scouts, though very different today from 1917, continue to embrace the original goal of building character. In 1917, the Boy Scouts were trained in telegraphy, ambulance work, cycling, clerical, signalling and coastguard work as active members of the community. In this way, they also contributed to the war effort both on the home front and as soldiers.DescriptionCircular badge: printed paper between tin base and celluloid cover. Rim: mustard coloured. Marked "S.A. Scout Rally Souvenir 1917". Centrepiece: smiling boy scout with penant. Marked "Be Prepared" in black.Creator (person)Creator (organisation)AcknowledgementKeywordsScoutsDate of Creation1917Date of Usage1917Materialtin
|paper
|celluloid Accession NumberHT 1985.2035
