Who Was Cleve Cole?

Cleveland John Melbourne Cole, known simply as Cleve Cole, was born in 1897 to parents William and Emma Cole. His father, a paint merchant, was also a keen shooter and fisherman, and it was from him that Cleve likely developed his own lifelong love of the outdoors.

In Scouting, Cleve Cole is best remembered as the Commissioner for Lone Scouts, a position he held from 1927 to 1936. During this time, he dedicated himself to supporting Scouts who lived too far from regular troops to attend meetings. In those days, any young person living more than twelve miles from the nearest Scout Group could become a Lone Scout. Cleve spent countless hours visiting them across Victoria and writing letters of encouragement to those he couldn’t reach in person. He also wrote and published the Lone Scout Handbook, helping these isolated Scouts feel part of the broader Scouting Movement.

Outside of Scouting, Cleve was an enthusiastic skier and outdoorsman. In the winter of 1936, he and two friends, Mick Hull and Howard Michell, set out to make the first winter crossing of Mount Bogong, Victoria’s highest peak. Tragically, severe blizzards struck, and the three men became lost. After spending more than three days sheltering in a snow cave, they attempted to descend the mountain but were forced into the Big River Valley. Exhausted, injured, and suffering from hypothermia, Cleve could go no further. Howard went in search of help while Mick stayed with him. After two days, Howard reached a nearby farm and raised the alarm. A rescue team, including Rover Commissioner W.F. (Bill) Waters, finally reached them, but Cleve passed away only a few hours later despite every effort to save him.

Following his death, a memorial fund was established, and Cleve Cole Hut was built on Mount Bogong at the head of Camp Valley. The hut still stands today as a refuge for hikers and a tribute to his adventurous spirit.

At Gilwell Park, a Cleve Cole Lodge was built and dedicated to the Lone Scouts he so passionately supported. In addition, the Cleve Cole Rover Crew was later formed to honour his contribution to Scouting and his enduring legacy of courage, service, and love for the outdoors.