At the age of 15, Wroughton was selected by Scouts founder Robert Baden-Powell for an experimental camp held at Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour, Dorset, in August 1907. Baden-Powell immediately noticed and admired Wroughton’s honor and talent for leadership, and came to view Wroughton like a son.
When World War 1 broke out seven years later, Wroughton was serving as an officer in the British Army’s 12th Lancers near the Belgian town of Ypres. Only eight weeks into the war, he already had a reputation as a brilliant soldier, exceedingly brave, and deeply compassionate toward his men.
On October 30th, 1914, while leading a patrol of the Ypres salient, Wroughton was shot in the chest by a sniper. Carried to cover by his Sergeant-Major, his last words predicably were for the welfare of his men:
“…never mind me, Sgt Major, look after yourself.”
He died on the battlefield at the age of 23, selflessly living out to the fullest sense the foundational character that Scouting was designed to build, and the scores of condolence letters his parents received praising his bravery, honor, and compassion all bear that out.
#HistoryLand
