Figure 1.--.

The Scouting movement has traditionally been the stronest un Europe, but it is now growing in Asia and Oceania as well. Much of the frowth of the Scout movement in recent years has in fact been in developing countries. It is the strongest in the Oceania countries that were European countries such as Australia and New Zealand. There is also a sizeable movement in the Philippines because of its American connections. The British also promoted Scout movements on several Pacific island colonies. Please have a look at available information on Scouting in the following countries and the development of the various national uniforms in each different country.

Australia

Scouting in Australia commenced shortly after Scouting for Boys was published in 1908, the same year it began in Britain. As with all countries in the then British Empire, initially Scouting in Australia was very closely based on the way Scouting was structured in Britain. Baden Powell visited Australia in 1912 to help promote the local Scouting movement. As in all British colonies and dominions, it proved imensly popular. The original uniforms were simple copies of English Scout uniforms. As time went by an Australian flavor of Scouting developed. Those changes were eventually reflected in the Scout uniform.

Indonesia

Scouting was founded in Indonesia while the country was the Dutch colony of the Dutch East Indies. We note a memoir from a boy who was an eager Cub and Scout in the years before the Japanese World War II invasion. We believe that relatively few boys were involved, but have little information. couting effectively ended with the Japanese occupation of the colony. Some efforts were made to revive Scouting after the War. Conditiins were unsettled as Indonesians resisted the restablishment of the Dutch colonial administration and waged a struggle for independence. The Government formed the highly nationalistic Gerakan Pramuka in 19?? and banned Scouting. The Indonesian Pramuka has since begun to rethink their initial rejection of Scouting. Pramuka authorities have been striving to re-establish relations with Scouting for a long time, claiming that their organization from the beginning was just Scouting the Indonesian way, rightfully taking the place of pre-revolutionary Scouting.

New Zealand

New Zealand as other British Empire countries eagerly adopted Scouting after it appeared in England. Scouting has traditionally been a popular activity for Kiwi boys. Early uniforms were just like the British ones. Only later did a destinct uniform develop.

The Philippines

The Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) was founded in 1936, a rather late date considering the American presence. The mocement was interupted by the Japnese invasion in December 1941 after Peal Harbor. The BSP joined the WOSM in 1945 after liberation from the Japanese. The BSP in 1998 had a membership of about 3.5 million. At this time, HBC has only limited information on Philippino Scouting.

Unknown

HBU has obtained a number of images of Scout uniforms, but can not identify the nationality. If you can figure out what country these boys are from, please let HBU know.