Francis Sydney Gillespie (26 March 1889 – 18 June 1916) was an English cricketer. He played six first-class matches for Surrey in 1913.[1] He was killed in action during World War I.[2][3]

Francis Sydney Gillespie
Personal information
Born(1889-03-26)26 March 1889
Upper Norwood, Surrey
Died18 June 1916(1916-06-18) (aged 27)
Mount Sorrel, Ypres salient, Belgium
Source: Cricinfo, 12 March 2017

Gillespie was the son of John Gillespie, a Scottish engineer, and his wife, Eleanor. He attended Dulwich College between 1902 and 1904, and in his final year was in the 2nd XI cricket team. After leaving the school, he joined his father's business, but continued to pursue his interest in cricket. He was called up to the Surrey 2nd XI in 1912 and was promoted to the 1st XI the following year.[4]

Gillespie joined the Honourable Artillery Company shortly after the start of the First World War, but accepted a commission in the Royal Sussex Regiment soon afterwards. He was promoted to Captain in July 1915 and was sent to Ypres, Belgium in March the following year. On 17 June 1916, he was injured by enemy fire while leading a reconnaissance mission. He died of his wounds the following day.[4] He is buried at the Merville Communal Cemetery in northern France.[2]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Francis Gillespie". ESPN Cricinfo. Retrieved 12 March 2017.
  2. ^ a b "Gillespie, Francis Sydney". Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Retrieved 12 March 2017.
  3. ^ "Cricketers who died in World War 1 — Part 2 of 5". Cricket Country. 3 August 2014. Retrieved 28 November 2018.
  4. ^ a b "Captain Francis Sydney Gillespie". Dulwich College. 2023. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
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