Howard Mallett O.B.E.

Cambridge District Scout Archive

Silver Wolf

In 1957 Alderman H R Mallett (ACC Relationships) was awarded an OBE for his work in Scouting. He was DC for Cambridge between 1936 and 1952. A full list of his roles is given below.

His scouting, in Scouts Golden Jubilee year, was likely to be the charitable hook on which his many social acts were recognised.  The report in Wikipedia repeats the wording given in The Scouter of 1957.

He formed the core of records and evaluated these for the District Executive. His records, notes and analysis of these have been the basis for many pages on this site.

The photographs, above and below, were the only ones located in a Scout context other than a poor reproduction in mayoral garb.

Howard received the Medal of Merit 1932, the Silver Acorn in 1944 and the Silver Wolf in 1954.  He also received a Thanks Medal in 1932.

Conversely he attributed his work and experience for Scouting as giving him the skills and the confidence to stand for local election as Councilor.  The later affirmation of Alderman, a longer term role given to some Councilors, re- enforces the respect in which he was held.

Founder of the 10th Cambridge in 1910 and later joint SM with John Morrish before the troop divided in 1911 and John founded the 12th. He was elected to the Exec in October 1910, acting as badge examiner and very involved in District and National events. The 10th failed when Howard entered the forces in WW1, although some of his time was at the First Eastern Hospital in Cambridge. He saw active service in Flanders, marched into Germany after the armistice and ended as either RSM or CSM. A member of the RAMC whilst he had a degree it was not a Medical degree and he was not eligible to be an officer as a temporary member. It is likely that other members of the 10th also worked at the First Eastern Hospital, H Munns and Eric Rutherford (later also University Librarian) possibly among them.

Hon Sec 1910 – 36 (- 1914 – 1918), DC 1936 – 1952, ACC 1952 – 1964

He was noted for his work in maintaining links between Scouting within Cambridge during the Second World War and later known as the Scouting Mayor. 

‘Throughout the war Ald. Mallett sent a monthly news bulletin to many Scout Groups. During this period when , many leaders were away – particularly from the Country districts, this bulletin was an important factor in keeping alive a cohesive county spirit throughout six difficult years.’ ‘ Two years ago he arranged the Cambridge visit for nearly 800 Scouts who were attending an international meeting in London.’ From Independent Press and Chronicle 1957 on award of OBE. He was Chair of the County Exec and ACC Relationships at this time elsewhere ACC 1952 – 1965, Hon ACC from 1965, County Vice President from 1967.

The Howard Mallett Centre was his initiative, the last of a long line of social centres he generated for the young of Cambridge, both in and out of Scouting.

From Cambridge City Council records ‘Mayor 1954 to 1955 Howard R. Mallett Associated with the Boy Scouts Movement for nearly 50 years. His particular interests on the Council were health and education. He also served on the County Council. Worked as an official at the Cambridge University Library. Throughout the war, Mr. Mallett sent a monthly news bulletin to many local Scout groups which kept alive a cohesive county when many leaders were away. Awarded an OBE in 1957. Howard Mallett Youth Club in New Street named after him. Independent then Conservative.‘

Howard is listed as a member of the 12th probably up to is death, alongside the chairman W A Mackrow who was Chairman.

Howard Mallet died 1st January 1971 A Service was held in Great St Mary’s. He was awarded a Civic funeral.

JWR Archivist Mar 2019

A Scout Master H.R. Mallett of the 1st March (Cambridgeshire) received a Silver Cross in May 10th 1921 for saving a girl from drowning. Awards0442.jpg The names and Scout connection are a coincidence.