1st East Grinstead Scout Group
Centenary 1908 - 2008
The main members behind these ventures were George Smith and Tom Beard. George Smith was the son of a local builder Tilden Smith and joined the troop as a founder member in 1908 and became the Corporal of the first Patrol, the Pewits. He later became Patrol Leader of the second patrol to be formed and in 1912 became an Assistant Scoutmaster.
In 1947 George Smith wrote an article for the Sailplane Magazine which outlined his exploits in building the gliders with the troop and therefore must be the definitive description of the events;
Transcript from Sailplane 1947 re Glider
The publication in the February issue of a review of the film " Gallant Journey " and of the photograph of a " breathtaking " balloon launch vividly reminded me of the early gliding efforts of the East Grinstead Troop of Boy Scouts with whom I was Patrol Leader.
I believe the activities of these lads in the Gliding Movement might be of interest to readers of SAILPLANE, and venture, briefly, to record some of them. In the winter of 1910-11, no member of the Troop had as yet seen an airplane, but illustrations and reports in the daily papers continually fired their enthusiasm, and they finally decided to build a glider. As Bleriot was then very much in the news they built something on the lines of his machine. The result was vaguely reminiscent of a flying rat-trap. Its principal feature were two bicycle wheels and good hefty timbers. The contraption was taken to Stone Hill and placed in position on the highest rock. Cameras were placed at suitable points, launching ropes attached, the elevator optimistically set to " rise." The launching crew did their stuff. Alas, its existence was short lived. It took a straight header into the ground and was completely wrecked. Removal was simplified by offering it to a nearby farmer for firewood.
It wasn't long before Glider No. 2 was discussed, but it was decided first to gain some firsthand information as to details and construction. A visit was paid to the recently opened aerodrome at Shoreham, where complete freedom was allowed to inspect the aeroplanes, and firsthand information as to details and construction was gained.