H V Nunn

Cambridge District Scout Archive

Harold Nunn was a scout then after the war SM with the 12th Cambridge. He is pictured here in 1913 at the back right.

H V Nunn was associated with the 12^th Cambridge from 1911 to 1934.  He is mention frequently in their records and was possibly the Nunn who was ADC Cubs around 1931.

His service was commemorated with the presentation of the tie pin and gold Thanks pendant shown here (see below for details). The thanks badge was generally given to express appreciation to those who were not members of the Boy Scout movement, but who had been of service to scouting.

In Europe this design was sometimes called the Hooked Cross or from Middle English, the Fylfot.  The 3000 year old symbol for good luck, prosperity and well being was used by many cultures.  Robert Baden-Powell’s design superimposed the fleur-de-lis.

It was only used from 1914-1935.  When the National Socialist Party in Germany adopted the swastika symbol the design was changed, and it ceased to be used.  Previous recipients could exchange their award for the new design, or could keep it and purchase the new one as well. 

This was sold by the Willingham Auction House in 2016 A 9ct gold Scouts charm pendant and a Scout enamel metal pin pendant enscribed H V Nunn from 12th Cambridge Group 1911 to 1934 – Weight approx. 2.5 grms Condition report: Both generally good, slight bending to pin. At the same sale a Great War pair to 48525 Pte. HV Nunn. Suff. R. with medal and WWII defence medal,…

Variously described as 9 and 10ct gold it is .75 inches wide by .75 inches high, not including loop.  The thanks badge was made in Bronze, Silver and Gold versions.

More can be read on Swastikas in Scouting here: http://www.worldscoutingmuseum.org/swastikas.shtml

A large collection of Thanks badges can be seen here: http://www.scoutcollecting.co.uk/ssshop4-badges-leaders-service__amp__good_service315-thanks_badges.html

Glenn of the 12th Cambridge writes ‘His older brother (I think) Stanley Nunn was also a scout, and rescued a lad from the Cam in July 1911.

“A gallant rescue from drowning in the Cam on Saturday adds another splendid accomplishment to the excellent record already achieved by Cambridge Boy Scouts, the hero on this occasion being Stanley Nunn, of the Milton-road Council School contingent of the 10th Cambs. Scouts. At about 3.30 on Saturday afternoon a boy named Parsons, of the Harvey Goodwin Home, was paddling in the Cam near Jesus Locks, Midsummer Common. Parsons only about nine years old, and apparently did not realise how dangerous the river is just here, where the river bed deepens abruptly to six or eight feet. Suddenly Parsons’ found himself beyond his depth and sank. Nunn, living up to the motto of ‘Be prepared,” saw what had happened and promptly went to the rescue. He is only 13 years old, but he went into the water without hesitation and brought Parsons to the bank in a semi-conscious condition. The deed was dangerous on account of the treacherous nature of the river, and difficult through the height of the bank. Nunn immediately endeavoured to restore the boy to consciousness by Schafer’s method of artificial respiration. In the meantime cries for assistance attracted the attention of Mr. Rawling, a colonist, who has seen active service in the Boer War and has been through the St. john Ambulance course. He took charge of the patient, and under his skilled attention Parsons quickly regained consciousness, so that, within about 45 minutes of his rescue, he was in a fit condition to be taken home. Apart from Nunn’s readiness to risk his life to save another, and the coccins and prompt-ness with which he acted thoughout, it speaks volumes for the thoughtfulness and resource inculcated by the Scout training that he replaced the boy’s dripping coat by his own dry one. Although Nunn succeeded in taking Parsons ‘ from the water and had succeeded in clearing his lungs, it was fortunate, in consideration of the physical and. mental strain caused to ,..ii i our a how, that My. Rawling with his ,treat….

…thereafter becoming illegible.

JWR Archivist APr 2019