Major Espy (Sr.) part of Headland's first Boy Scout Troop (1922)
Major W. Espy, Sr. was a representative on the Southeast Alabama Boy Scout Council.
Jan 1946
 |
Major's son Watty was an active Boy Scout. |
Watty is on the far right.
Discovered Watty's 1947 passport. It shows he was permitted to travel to France, the British Isles, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Italy.
Watty Espy of Headland, attended the 1947 Jamboree in Moisson, France. Watty would have been right at 14 years old. If you follow his journal entries below, you will see his journey took him to Knoxville, New Jersey, New York City, Belgium and France. And there's a strong possibility he visited Luxembourg and Italy. He traveled by ship out of New York City. His journey took six weeks at least, not including the time it took for him to return to Headland from the port in New York City once he made it back to The States. Some things from his notes that stand out: Watty enjoyed the World War I battlefield sites; he had an interest in the Emperor Napoleon; he played chess with shipmates and others; he got seasick quite a bit; he was scouring the field for notable autographs; he had plenty of friends; and he loved movies.
The Abbeville Herald
Sept. 25, 1947
The Dothan Eagle
June 9, 1948
The Dothan Eagle
January 12, 1949
Watty's journal
Here 's a video I found. Wouldn't it be something if someone spots Uncle Watty? And there are more videos like this out there. This video tells of a Canadian Boy Scout Troop experience at the 1947 World Jamboree. You can easily imagine what Watty might have experienced.
My dad was also a Boy Scout.
early '70s
3 comments:
This is fascinating. He was such a young boy, surely he was with a group from Alabama? My eyes are so bad I couldn't read all, but what I could read is a wonderful chronicle of his journey. This would have been so soon after the war, the countries must have still been in some distress. Watty seems so mature for a 13-14 year old. Guess he had already been on his own at military school and had experience fending for himself. Nice story. Thanks for sharing. - Brenda Stroup
This is great stuff. Glad to see that Watty saw Phantom of the Opera long before Andrew Lloyd Webber made it famous. Obviously this trip had a lifelong impact on Watt. Mike Radelet
I think the traits you describe run in the family. Fantastic website and another enticing tidbit. Wonder what Watt would think of the Boy Scouts this day and age? Jim
Post a Comment