The Cornwell Scout Badge "The Cornwell Scout Badge is awarded in respect of pre-eminently high character and devotion to duty, together with great courage and endurance."

The first recipient of this badge was ARTHUR SHEPHERD a patrol leader with the 8th Middlesbrough (St.Pauls) Troop. In 1914 Arthur was on coast watch duty with his patrol at Whitby when the hospital ship 'Rohilla' hit rocks at Saltwick Nab, Whitby. The scouts turned out with the coastguards in the dark in the early hours of the morning. They worked hard with only short intervals of rest for the following three days and nights, wet through, with a gale blowing, trying to rescue drowning men and recovering bodies.

The most dangerous part of the work in which PL Shepherd took part was going with messages for the coastguard officer and bringing supplies of rockets from the coastguard station. In doing this he had to make his way along the face of the cliff by a very narrow and slippery ledge of rock which overhung the sea and was washed by the waves. He had to do this alone, with a gale blowing, and in the dark, when a false step, or slip, meant death. He did this trip several times.

Later when the German men-of-war bombarded Whitby the scouts had just got back to their quarters from coast watching when the shells landed. Instead of hiding in the cellar, they ran back to the coastguard station and offered their help. One scout was hit and lost a leg. Arthur Shepherd was one of these plucky lads ready to help.

Arthur was presented with the Cornwell Badge for his bravery by Baden-Powell, the Chief Scout, at a Rally in Middlesbrough Town Hall in 1916. The Local Association of Scouts presented him with a signed photograph of the Founder.

Arthur is now 94 years old and resident in a nursing home in Middlesbrough. He is visited daily by his niece and regularly by members of the District Fellowship.

Arthur is still a Scout at heart and is very interested in the Movement and what is happening.