Arthur Henry Johnstone

Chief Scout of South Africa 1958 - 1968

Lt Col Arthur Henry Johnstone was born on the 11th November, 1914, in Cape Town and he attended the SA College School (SACS) which at the time was situated in the Gardens.

His Scouting career started in 1925 when he joined the 4th Cape Town (Metropolitan) troop. Five years later he formed and assisted in running 1st Fish Hoek Pack becoming their Assistant Cub Master in 1933 and Cub Master in 1934. He then moved to Pretoria where he became Scout Master with the 15th Pretoria Methodist Group.

During the Second World War he held various senior ranks and took an important role in both the Western Desert Campaign including the Battle of El Alamein in 1942 and the Italian Campaign.

Returning to the then Transvaal Division in 1946, Arthur held various warrants becoming Assistant Divisional Commissioner for Cubs (1946), Deputy Divisional Commissioner (1947), Divisional Commissioner (1947), Divisional President (1950), Deputy Chief Scout (1953) and Chief Scout in 1958.

He was awarded the Silver Acorn (now Silver Protea) in 1950 and Silver Wolf (now Silver Springbok) in 1954. In 1971 Arthur was awarded the Bronze Wolf. The Bronze Wolf is the only award made by the World Scout Committee and it is given solely in recognition of outstanding service by an individual to the World Scout Movement.

Scout awards received by Arthur Johnstone

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  Order of the Silver Acorn

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  Order of the Silver Wolf

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  The Bronze Wolf

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  Long Service Medal

Ack: Cape Western Scouter May 1958 and World Scout Committee