First scout's papers are unique archive
At just 15 years old 'Bob' Wroughton became the world's first Boy Scout and looked into the future with hopeful eyes.
But just seven years later, in 1914, 'Bob', whose full name was Musgrave Cazenove Wroughton, lay dead on the battlefields of Ypres, one of the millions of victims of the First World War.
Now, almost 100 years later, a remarkable archive of papers chronicling his life has been brought together.
The collection discovered during a house clearance in southern England could fetch more than £1,000 when it is auctioned at Ludlow Racecourse in south Shropshire on November 22.
Mullock's auctioneers historical documents specialist, Richard Westwood-Brookes, said the collection provided a poignant reminder just before Remembrance Day of a lost generation of young men who died in the 'war to end all wars'.
Mr Westwood-Brooks said: "This is a remarkable find. Musgrave Cazenove Wroughton, known affectionately as 'Bob' by his friends and family, came from a well-to-do Northamptonshire family.
"They lived in country mansion and a close family friend was Sir Robert Baden-Powell, hero of the Siege of Mafeking during the Boer War.
"When Baden-Powell came up with the idea of organising a camp for boys to teach them the principles of leadership and teamwork, he immediately turned to Bob to join him in his venture.
"The camp in August 1907 became a historic event and was the beginning of the world-wide Boy Scout movement.
"After the camp, Baden Powell heaped praise on Bob's leadership skills and said he was the example for all others to follow. He effectively became the first real boy scout."
Lord Baden-Powell became a second father to Wroughton and asked his opinion on how the Scout movement could be established.
"It was clear that Bob had a glittering career ahead of him," said Mr Westwood-Brookes.
Mr Westwood-Brookes said the assembled archive was incredibly moving.
For further information visit www.mullocksauctions.co.uk
