Roderick Noel McGeachie
Rod was the youngest of 4 children. He was born in 1922. It seems like along time ago. One thing Rod remembered while growing up in Burnaby BC Canada, was always wanting to be a Boy Scout. His older siblings had already joined up and his sister was a Girl Guide. So when he was old enough he was very excited to finally become a member of the Scouts. Scouts learned interesting things. They learned cooking over open flame and even underground cooking. They made gagits of all sorts. They learned first aid and how to paddle a canoe. Best of all they went camping and had campfires.
As the years went by Rod at 18 years of age, became the assistant Scout Master for the 4th Burnaby Troop and then District Scoutmaster. 2 years later World War 11 broke out and on October 6th 1942 Rod enlisted in the Canadaian Infantry Corps Queens Own Rifles. He was a medic in the Army. He landed on Juno Beach June 6th 1944. Of the 36 men in his platoon only 6 servived. During this time there were times when Rod found himself alone, so he called on his skills learned from Scouting. His outdoor survival and camping knowledge served him well during this time of war. The War continued, and the Canadains moved through the Netherlands and in March 1945 the Allies began the final push to secure Northwestern Eurpoe and to end the War. Borculo was liberated by the Canadians on April 1st 1945.
Roderick Noel McGeachie, a Canadian soldier who remained in the Netherlands after the war, demonstrated remarkable foresight. Recognizing the needs of the children in the post-war period, he took decisive action. One of the significant steps in rebuilding the Netherlands was the formation of a Scout Troop. Scouting Borculo, founded by Rod McGeachie in 1945, played a pivotal role in rejuvenating the youth. By establishing Scout groups, Rod McGeachie provided a purpose for young people during their free time. His expertise and commitment were instrumental in shaping the future of the Netherlands.
The first meeting of Scouting Borculo took place on June 4th, 1945. Rod McGeachie’s legacy lives on through the positive impact he made on the lives of Dutch youth.
He knew the children needed something. Forming a Scout Troop was one of the steps in rebuilding the Netherlands. Starting Scout groups to get the youth organised again and to give them a purpose in their free time. This is something that Rod knew how to do. Scouting Borculo was founded by Rod McGeachie in 1945 almost 80 years ago. Rod remembered how they were able to use tents from the Canadian Army for a week long outing. At first the parents of the boys were very afraid to send them to meetings or to camp. During the War the Nazies tried to unite all youth into one national socialist movement and sometimes young men went missing. Rod being part the the Canadian Army holding Liberated Borculo promised that the youth in the Scout Troop would be returned safely home, and they were.
Borculo’s history is etched with both tragedy and resilience, reflecting the broader impact of war on communities. In 1945, during the final stages of World War II, the McGeachie Scout Troop from Borculo, Netherlands played a significant role. Borculo-The McGeachie Troop , a name that resonates with adventure, camaraderie, and the spirit of Scouting. Let’s journey back to those post-war days in the Netherlands, where the McGeachie Troop left an indelible mark on the Scouting landscape. In the quaint town of Borculo, nestled amidst rolling hills and whispering forests, the McGeachie Troop emerged as a beacon of hope. Their story unfolded against the backdrop of a war-torn world, where Scouting had faced suppression and dissolution. But the McGeachie Troop defied adversity, their Scout spirit burning bright like a campfire under the star-studded Dutch sky.
During World War II all Scouting movements were prohibited and officially dissolved in the Netherlands, because the organizations refused to merge with Youth Storm, the Dutch National Socialist youth organization. Still, many continued their activities secretly. After the end of the war, Scouting again became very popular and therefore many of the current local Scout Groups in the Netherlands were founded in 1945 or 1946. Many of the current local Scout Groups in the Netherlands were founded during this period. Roderick Noel McGeachie (1922-2018) was the founder of scout groups in Borculo. The McGeachie Troop : A Tale of Resilience and Unity. Rod McGeachie, a name etched in Scouting lore, stood at the helm of this remarkable troop.
His vision transcended borders, uniting young hearts across Borculo. With a twinkle in his eye and a compass in hand, Rod led the McGeachie Troop on daring expeditions, forging bonds that would last a lifetime. Trailblazers. Under the cover of moonlit nights, the McGeachie Troop convened in hidden corners—their Scout uniforms worn with pride.
They whispered promises of loyalty, recited the Scout Law, and shared tales of courage.
Rod’s voice echoed through the darkness, urging them to be prepared, to do their best, and to leave no trace but memories.
🌟 The Emblem: A Maple Leaf and a Windmill. The McGeachie Troop wore their emblem—a delicate fusion of Canadian resilience and Dutch heritage. The maple leaf symbolized strength, while the windmill whispered stories of perseverance. Together, they embodied the Troop’s motto: “Eendracht maakt macht” (Unity is strength). 🗺️ Adventures Beyond Borders:
The McGeachie Troop explored Borculo’s woodlands, mapped trails, and kindled campfires. They exchanged badges with Scouts from distant lands, bridging cultures and languages. Rod reminded them that Scouting knew no boundaries—it was a global brotherhood, stitched together by shared ideals.
Born on September 27, 1922, in Burnaby, Greater Vancouver Regional District, British Columbia, Canada, Rod McGeachie played a significant role in establishing and nurturing scouting activities. He was awarded the Silver Acorn. He also became a District Field Commissioner and travelled helping new groups start up even as far as Inuet in the Northwest Territories.
As the years flowed like a meandering river, the McGeachie Troop left its mark. Generations of Scouts passed through its ranks, each adding a verse to the Troop’s ballad. Today, their legacy lives on in the laughter of Scout gatherings, the rustle of tents, and the flicker of campfire tales. Borculo still echoes with the McGeachie Troop’s laughter. Their spirit dances in the wind, urging new Scouts to explore, serve, and be kind.
In Borculo, the McGeachie Troop taught us that Scouting isn’t just about knots and badges—it’s about weaving dreams, one friendship knot at a time. So here’s to the McGeachie Troop—may their fire burn eternal, lighting the path for Scouts yet to come.
“Eendracht maakt macht” (Unity is strength) Adventures Beyond Borders.
And now Rod McGeachie has gone home~ But we will remember.
written by Rod McGeachie's daughter Lynette McGeachie
April 2024
