Description:

Baden-Powell Robert 1857 - 1941 Superb Scouting letter by Baden-Powell to Boy Scouts' executive Lewis Gawtry referencing Gilwell Park, Camp Chief Belge Wilson going to India, and B - P's first and only Australian Jamboree

Autograph Letter Signed "Baden Powell," 2 pages, 5" x 8", front and verso. On his engraved stationery. Pax Hill, Bentley, Hampshire, England, September 28, 1933. With original 5.25" x 4.25" postmarked King George V Three Half Pence postage stamped envelope addressed by Baden Powell to "Lewis Gawtry, Esqr. / Stafford Hotel / St James Place / SW./1." Opened at back flap. Fine condition.

In full, "I was so glad to get just a glimpse of you today, & am only sorry that, having to go to Edinburgh tonight, I cannot be there to show you round Gilwell & explain to you our training methods tomorrow. But I hope Wilson, our Camp Chief, will be there to do so. We are sending him to India next month to carry out a tour of inspection & instruction during the winter. He is good though silent! If, however, there should arise any points on which you would like any further information, don't hesitate to write to me here. I am so very glad that the idea of your Scouts from the West visiting the Australian Jamboree appeals to you. Its date is 28 Dec 34 to 10 Jan. 35."

London's Gilwell Park still is a camp site and activity center for Scouting groups and all youth organizations, as well as a training center for scout leaders. In 1933, Colonel John S. "Belge" Wilson (1888-1969), Camp Chief of International Training Centre at Gilwell, conducted a Wood Badge course at Pachmarhi, India. Baden-Powell had visited India in 1921 where he met and recruited Col. Wilson, who was then Senior Deputy Commissioner of Police in Calcutta, and, in his free time, was Calcutta's District Scout Commissioner. Col. Wilson was Secretary General of the World Organization of the Scout Movement from 1938 - 1951.

The first Australian Pan-Pacific Jamboree was held in Frankston, Victoria, 26 miles southeast of Melbourne. It was the first international gathering of Scouts outside of Europe and was the only Australian Jamboree attended by Baden - Powell.

American banker Lewis Gawtry (1869 - 1954) worked with the Boy Scouts for 40 years, becoming a member of the Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America in 1919, serving until his death. He was Treasurer of the National Council of the Boy Scouts (1935 - 1947) and President of the Manhattan Council Executive Board (1929 - 1954). In 1931, Gawtry received the Boy Scouts' highest award, the Silver Buffalo, for distinguished service to boyhood.

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