South African Senior Scout Uniform

Shirt: A standard khaki-tan, short-sleeve uniform shirt. It features two button-flap breast pockets and button-down shoulder straps (epaulets).

Shorts: Matching khaki-tan shorts, which were the standard wear for Boy Scouts in South Africa and many other Commonwealth countries at the time.

Socks: A pair of cuffed, knee-high khaki-tan socks, which are shown rolled down.

Garter Flashes: Tucked into the cuff of the socks are two solid red garter flashes, designed to hold the knee socks in place.

This is where the story of the Scout is told, a breakdown of the insignia, based on their location on the shirt:

Jamboree Contingent Patch: This shield-shaped patch, quartered in red and white with a central emblem, is the specific contingent patch for the South African Scouts attending the 1957 Jubilee Jamboree.

Shoulder Epaulets: Both shoulders feature maroon epaulet covers. This color was often used to distinguish Senior Scouts (typically ages 15-18) from the younger Boy Scout section.

Right Sleeve (Wearer’s Right):

“SOUTH AFRICAN” Arc: A curved patch identifying the Scout’s national contingent.

“1st FERNDALE” Strip: This rectangular patch confirms your memory. It identifies the Scout, N.D. Quayle, as belonging to the First Ferndale troop.

Left Sleeve (Wearer’s Left):

“Sr. SCOUTS” Arc: A curved patch identifying him as a member of the Senior Scout section.

Right Breast Pocket (Wearer’s Right):

• Springbok Badge: This round, green patch features a leaping gold Springbok. The Springbok is the national animal of South Africa and the emblem of the South African Scout Association at the time. This was likely a national-level proficiency or membership badge.

Left Breast Pocket (Wearer’s Left):

Rank/Award Badge: This is a significant badge on the left pocket, not just a badge, but the complete insignia for the highest rank a Senior Scout could achieve in South Africa at that time: the Queen’s Scout Award.

• The Badge: This is a rectangular tan cloth patch. It is beautifully embroidered in red and gold thread with the emblem of the South African Scout Association: a leaping Springbok superimposed on the Scout fleur-de-lis.
• The Backing: The badge is sewn onto a backing of three vertical maroon stripes. This maroon color is significant, as it matches the maroon epaulet covers, clearly identifying this as an award for the Senior Scout section.

In 1957, South Africa was still a Commonwealth realm. This award was the equivalent of the Eagle Scout (in the U.S.) and was the highest honor a youth member could earn. After South Africa became a republic in 1961, the award was renamed the Springbok Scout Award, which it is still called today.

This Scout, N.D. Quayle, was not just a Senior Scout; he was a Queen’s Scout—one of the most accomplished Scouts in his country. This makes the uniform even more historically significant.

Neckerchief: A deep green neckerchief with a bright yellow/gold border. This would have been the specific color combination for the entire South African contingent.

• Neckerchief Emblem: Sewn onto the point of the neckerchief is a round, green patch with a gold border, similar to the pocket patch but featuring the South African Scout fleur-de-lis emblem.

Neckerchief Slide: This is a very special “woggle” or slide. It’s a simple tube made from the hide of a Springbok, complete with its fur—a uniquely South African item.