The following articles are taken from George Barber’s “70 Years of Ajax and 65 Years an Ajaccio”, first published in the 2018 Ajax Group Annual Report
- In The Beginning – Ajax Sea Scouts was started by Donald ‘Doc’ Stone and other members of the 1st Surbiton Park Scout Group in 1947. The new Group was registered formally with The Scout Association in 1948 as 4th Surbiton ‘Ajax’ Sea Scouts.
- Ajax Meeting Places – The ‘WAC’ in Ditton Reach hasn’t always been Ajax HQ. Originally based downriver in Surbiton, activities centred around a wooden barge called MINCA and a WWII Motor Torpedo Boat
- Boats and Boating – Over the years the Ajax fleet has expanded beyond all recognition compared to the modest original collection of wooden boats.
- Cub Pack – Founded in 1963, Ajax cubs have always enjoyed a varied programme including weekend camps, County and District events and competitions, skiing at Sandown Park, various visits to places of interest as well as wide games, backwoods cooking and assault courses.
- Beaver Colony – Since the start of Scouting in 1907, many younger brothers wanted to join in with their older siblings. On 10th October 1988 the Ajax Beaver Colony was born.
- Sea Scout Troop – In the early days, the Troop comprised a total of 24 boys, which was about all that could be accommodated in the WWII Motor Torpedo Boat HQ
- Summer Camp – Early Ajax summer camps were land-based comprising traditional outdoor Scouting activities such as hiking, backwoods cooking, pioneering etc. Only from 1960 did camps take place on tidal waters.
- Getting Old – Ajax has always provided an adventurous climate in which young people may be helped to become resourceful and responsible adults whilst also having fun.
- Girls – Ajax welcomed girls into the Venture Sea Scout Unit in 1984 and into the Beaver, Cub and Sea Scout sections in 2001.
- World Scout Jamborees – Thousands of Scouts from all over the World meet to share friendship and perspectives at the World Scout Jamboree. Ajax has represented UK Scouting an impressive 7 times.
- RN Recognition and Royal Navy Ships Associations – Ajax has had a significant association with the Royal Navy since 1949
- Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant – At the heart of this historic spectacle, which formed part of the celebrations for the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II, was our safety boat, protecting and supporting the small craft at the head of the procession.
- Fundraising – The hard work of parents and others over the decades has kept the Group finances in good shape so that funds have always been available for operational requirements.
- Group Scout Leaders – In 2018 Chris West became only the 5th GSL in 70 years.