Peter Eckersley : The Flying Cricketer

A biography of a forgotten Lancashire Cricketer. In 2021 William Eckersley (Peter's grandson) came to Old Trafford carrying a large cardboard box which had been in his father's garage.

It contained the family archive with letters and photo albums of Peter Eckersley, the former Lancashire cricketer. While researching his life the author realised that Peter had been forgotten and yet at the age of 24 took over the Lancashire captaincy in 1929 and won the County Championship in 1930 and 1934. Peter was a pilot and flew the team to a county match - the first time it had been done. He became an M.P. for Manchester Exchange and when the war broke out, he volunteered for the Fleet Air Arm.

Sadly he was killed in an flying accident in 1940 aged 36. Peter Eckersley is forgotten no longer. In 2022 at Lancashire Cricket Club, Peter's grandson unveiled a plaque commemorating Peter's service.

He is the only Lancashire cricketer to be killed in the Second World War. The book tells the story of Peter’s life including his early flying career, the Lancashire team of the 1930's, Overseas Tours and his career as an M.P. Peter wasn’t among the greatest of Lancashire cricketers with bat and ball, but no other player can match his qualities of Charisma, Loyalty, Leadership, Bravery, Courage and Sacrifice. Quite a claim? Read the book and see if you agree!!!"How odd that his story should have been so neglected in the years since his death in 1940!

We owe a gratitude to Malcolm Lorimer, and to grandson William, for restoring his reputation with this delightful book." Stephen Chalke