Remembering John Sephton
There has been Scouting in Bassett since 1916. The 7th Southampton (Bassett) Scout Group has given thousands of young people the Scouting Adventure, helping them grow, learn skills for life and teaching them to always Be Prepared.
One of Bassett’s Queen Scouts was John Murray Sephton who the Association knows as Lieutenant Commander John Murray Sephton RN. John was givent the posthumous award of the Distinguished Service Cross for extreme valour and self-sacrifice which was an example and inspiration to all the Ship’s Company and undoubtedly deterred the enemy from making even more attacks.was on HMS Ardent. After the loss of the Seacat missile system, Lieutenant Commander Sephton, the Flight Commander organised the use of small arms by the Flight as a last-ditch defence against the concentrated and severe enemy attacks. In a dangerous and desperate situation he was last seen directing fire on the exposed Flight Deck, shooting a sub machine gun vertically up into an A4 Skyhawk the instant before it dropped the bombs that killed him. Three other Flight members were also killed.
The 7th Southampton (Bassett) Scout Group have a memorial award dedicated to him called the 'John Sephton Award' that is awarded for personal endeavour to those who show bravery and continue to take part in Scouting through difficult times in their life.
At this years Remembrance Sunday the Scouts gathered at his memorial tree in the new forest and held a poppy service.
