Heartbreaking Story: Test and First Class Cricketers Killed in World War Two

World War Two was one of the most devastating conflicts in human history, claiming the lives of millions across the globe. Its impact was not limited to soldiers and civilians alone; even the world of cricket faced a terrible loss. Test and first-class cricketers from various countries put their careers on hold and joined the war effort, with many paying the ultimate price. This article pays tribute to those talented cricketers who sacrificed their lives on the battleground.

Australia's Fallen Heroes

Among the cricketers who lost their lives in World War Two, Australia suffered a significant blow. Victor Richardson, a prominent Australian cricketer, played in 19 tests, and later, as a pilot in the Royal Australian Air Force, tragically died in 1944. Another notable name, all-rounder Keith Miller, interrupted his cricket career to serve as a fighter pilot in the Royal Australian Air Force. Fortunately, he managed to survive the war.

The Coming Storm: Test and First-Class Cricketers Killed in World War Two

by Alex Mirez (Kindle Edition)

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	24434 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	610 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

England's Tragic Losses

England, being one of the major cricketing nations, also mourned the loss of several talented cricketers during World War Two. Perhaps the most well-known among them was Wally Hammond, an English batting legend who represented his country in 85 tests. Hammond served in the Royal Air Force during the war but fortunately returned unharmed. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Hedley Verity, an accomplished English spin bowler who represented his nation in 40 tests. Tragically, Verity died of injuries sustained during the Battle of Normandy in 1943.

New Zealand's Sacrificed Stars

New Zealand, a smaller cricketing nation, also experienced its share of sorrow. Stewie Dempster, a talented New Zealand batsman who played 10 tests, became a fighter pilot and was sadly shot down over Italy in 1942. Other notable New Zealand cricketers, such as Tom Pritchard and Colin Snedden, served in the armed forces but thankfully returned home after the war.

South Africa's Fallen Cricketing Sons

South Africa, another cricketing nation deeply affected by the war, lost several cricketers who had promising careers. Dudley Nourse, who represented South Africa in 34 tests, joined the South African Air Force and died in a plane crash in 1944. Eric Rowan, a talented all-rounder, captained South Africa during his cricketing days and later served as a navigator. Unfortunately, he died during a mission over the Mediterranean Sea in 1944.

In World War Two, the loss of life was immense, and the cricketing fraternity was not spared from tragedy. Test and first-class cricketers from various nations willingly gave up their careers and fought alongside their fellow citizens. Their sacrifice should never be forgotten, as they not only represented their countries on the cricket field but also demonstrated tremendous bravery and selflessness on the battlefield. May their memory serve as a reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of preserving peace.

The Coming Storm: Test and First-Class Cricketers Killed in World War Two

by Alex Mirez (Kindle Edition)

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	24434 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	610 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The outbreak of the Second World War came towards the closing stages of the 1939 cricket season. Hitler permitted us almost to complete an exceptionally interesting season, Sir Home Gordon, wrote in the Cricketer magazine, When shall we see the stumps pitched again?As the West Indies touring team canceled their last five matches and sailed home before the U-boat threat developed, the treasures at Lords, including the Ashes, were sent to a secret location for safekeeping. The Marylebone Cricket Club cancelled its tour to India - England played under the MCC banner then.During the ensuing conflict twelve test cricketers (five English, two South Africans, one Australian and one New Zealander) perished together with 130 first class players. In this superbly researched sequel to Final Wicket, covering cricketing fatalities during The Great War, this book reveals each mans career details, including cricketing statistics, and the circumstances of death. There is also a brief history of the game during the War. Arguably the period between the two world wars was the golden age of cricket, and this book honors those who made it so only to die serving their countries in a different way.