Our History

Among those who wore the green and purple scarf of the 7th Southampton (Bassett) Scout Group was Harold Charles Frank Jerono, a former Patrol Leader who gave his life in service during the Second World War.

Harold was born in Southampton on 17/12/1919, the son of Charles Frank Jerono and Flora Kate Jerono (née Howes). He grew up at 64 Carnation Road, Southampton, and worked as a motor mechanic before joining the Merchant Navy.

He served as a Pantry Boy aboard the SS Abukir of the General Steam Navigation Co. Ltd. On 28/05/1940, during the Dunkirk evacuation, the ship came under repeated attack and was sunk by enemy action. Harold was just 20 years old when he was killed.

Harold has no known grave but is remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial (Panel 2) in London, the Southampton Watts Park Memorial, and on a family gravestone in Aldeby, Norfolk, which bears the words:

“Harold, dearly loved son of Flora Jerono née Howes, who lost his life at sea through enemy action. Dunkirk evacuation. May 28th 1940, aged 20.”

In 1979, following eviction from the Toc H site, the Group applied for planning permission to renovate and extend the Stable on Little Oak Road as a potential new HQ. The application was prepared and submitted, but ultimately the scheme was never taken forward. The most likely reason was that by this time the Group was already exploring what became the current HQ site. 

After the Group’s eviction from The Firs (Toc H) in 1978, and the unsuccessful attempt in 1979 to adapt the Little Oak Road Stables, attention turned to securing a permanent purpose-built headquarters.

The planning applications (refs beginning 1570_W29) show that by the early 1980s, the 7th Southampton (Bassett) had submitted proposals for a new Scout hut on land off Winchester Road, Bassett, close to Red Lodge School. The site plan included a single-storey hut building, with surrounding grounds for activities and access from what is now Vermont Close.

A letter dated 20/05/1980 confirmed that the Group had raised £12,000 towards the project and was applying to the Leisure Committee for a further £6,000 grant to complete it. At the time, the full project was estimated at £30,000, and it was reported that the Group had 190 members (adults, Scouts, and Cubs).

The Council initially granted the Scouts a 15-year lease on 250 square yards of land, with the option to dismantle and re-erect their old hut on the site if full funding could not be raised. In the interim, the Group arranged to use Vermont School for meetings.

On 02/07/1980, the Leisure Committee resolved to extend the lease by a further 7 years, giving the Group a total of 21 years security of tenure on the site.

This agreement paved the way for the construction of the current HQ, which has served as the home of the 7th Southampton (Bassett) ever since. The current Scout Headquarters was officially opened on Saturday 19th September 1981. This date is confirmed in multiple acceptance letters received by the Group Secretary to Mrs. Lambert in the months leading up to the grand opening. 

John Murray Sephton was born in Southampton on 29/11/1946, the eldest son of Eric and Jean Sephton. A proud member of the 7th Southampton (Bassett) Scout Group, he rose to become a Queen’s Scout before pursuing a distinguished career in the Royal Navy.

By 1982 he was serving as Flight Commander aboard HMS Ardent during the Falklands Conflict. On 21/05/1982, while on station in San Carlos Water, HMS Ardent came under repeated heavy attack from Argentine aircraft. The ship sustained many bomb hits, causing severe damage and loss of life.

After the destruction of the ship’s Seacat missile system, Lieutenant Commander Sephton organised the use of small arms by his Flight as a last-ditch defence. In the final desperate moments, he was last seen directing fire from the exposed flight deck, firing a sub-machine gun into an oncoming A4 Skyhawk seconds before it released the bombs that killed him. Three other Flight members were also killed in the action.

For his extreme valour and self-sacrifice, John was recommended for the Victoria Cross, though the recommendation was not upheld. Instead, he was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC), announced in the London Gazette of 11/10/1982, with the citation stating:

“Lieutenant Commander Sephton’s extreme valour and self-sacrifice was an example and inspiration to all the Ship’s Company and undoubtedly deterred the enemy from making even more attacks.”

John was just 35 years old. He had married in 1978 and left behind a wife and young daughter.

In recognition of his service, the Group established the John Sephton Award, presented for personal endeavour to young people who show bravery and continue their Scouting despite facing difficulties in their lives.

His memory lives on in the community: he is honoured by a memorial stone at Bartley Cricket Pitch in the New Forest, and in 2022, as part of the 40th Anniversary of the Falklands Conflict, a geographical feature was named after him — Sephton Island, on the east side of Lake Hammond, West Falkland.

Lt Cdr John Murray Sephton DSC is remembered with pride by his family, his shipmates, and his Scout Group, as a man whose courage and sacrifice continue to inspire.

On 07/06/2006, following the closure of the Central and West Districts, the Group became part of the new Southampton City District. At this point the census recorded 43 members 

Recipient: Sarah Granger

Description: Awarded for outstanding service. It implies keen, conscientious, imaginative, and dedicated service over a sustained period of at least 12 years (exceptionally 10).

Sarah’s recognition celebrated her long-term commitment and imaginative leadership, marking her as one of the Group’s most dedicated volunteers. 

Recipient: Gail Langton

Award: Silver Wolf – the highest award of The Scout Association, given by the Chief Scout for service of the most exceptional nature.

About Gail:
Gail began in Scouting aged 13 as a Cub Instructor and went on to hold roles across the 2nd Southampton and later the 7th Southampton (Bassett). She served 20 years as GSL at the 2nd, before becoming Group Scout Leader at the 7th, where she supported all sections and helped the Group grow in numbers and strength.

Since 2012, she has also been Beaver Leader, leading the team weekly and running events, while contributing to the ADC Beaver team and organising major District activities such as pantomime trips and Beaver sleepovers. Beyond this, Gail has been active in training and appointments, supporting new leaders across the District, and has volunteered regularly at Ferny Crofts.

Citation:
Her award reflects decades of exceptional service, developing others, sustaining strong programmes, and providing continuity of leadership in Southampton Scouting.