1909 - Foundation

As you may know Baden Powell held his first camp on Brownsea Island back in 1907 and the year after published 'Scouting for Boys'. In the Isle of Man the publication was obtained by Roger Hotchkiss, a 16 year old boy. Along with several other boys he started a patrol which met in the basement of his father's hotel, the Westminster, in Derby Road. A while after they also had the use of the gymnasium at Cunningham's Holiday Camp. During this time there was no adult leadership or any sort of organisation or finance.

The foundation of 1st Douglas in 1909 marked the start of Scouting on the Island in earnest. The first Patrol, the Curlews, was made up of messenger boys from Regent Street Post Office. Their names were D.F. Christian, H. Butterworth, R. Harrison and F. Kelly, D.F. Christian being their Leader and H. Butterworth as Second in Charge.

The Group quickly attracted others and by mid August there were three more Patrols, Peewits, Wolves and Kangaroos. Seeing the need for a more structured approach the boys asked Mr J.M. Proud, a Post Office Official, to become their first Scoutmaster.

? Callister H. Butterworth D.F. Christian B Killey

? Dunlop F. Kelly E. Skillicorn E. Robinson