Presentation to 2nd Riddlesden Scout Group
We were asked by Scout Leader Daniel, aka ‘Moz’ to talk to 2nd Riddlesden Scouts about the work that the Men of Worth Project have done with regard to the supplementary volume and the centenary events of the original Roll of Honour and War Memorial.
Carole with one of the Scout Leaders
There were approximately 20 young people in attendance and it was heartening to note how interested they were in the work that has been done and the real life stories of some of those included in the supplementary volume.
We spent time discussing why the centenary is in 2024 rather than 100 years after the war ended.
We spoke about a couple of local soldiers – Private Thomas Taylor and Private Richard Kelly. We also spoke about 2nd Lieutenant Ralph Oscar Gladstone who was instrumental in founding Kildwick Scouts.
Frances Hildred Mitchell was discussed to show the contribution, and sacrifice, made by women also. She was a young lady from Silsden who volunteered with Queen Mary’s Army Auxiliary Corps and lost her life to influenza and pneumonia while still nursing in military hospitals a year after the war had ended.
The Scouts were particularly interested in the 1917 Mark One Lee Enfield rifle, medals and other artefacts which Jimmy brought.
The 1917 Mark One Lee Enfield Rifle being shown by Jimmy
The Scouts are now planning to visit East Morton Cemetery where they will look for local men on the memorial there, as well as those with graves there.
The Riddlesden Scouts have a connection with the Great War, as their first Scout Leader was Major Alfred Bairstow Clarkson of West Riddlesden Hall, who served with the Duke of Wellington’s West Riding 1/6th Regiment and received a Military Cross and Distinguished Service Order. His brother Wilfred, also a Major, was also their Scout Leader a few years later.
Major Alfred Bairstow Clarkson
