Herbert Bailey

Herbert Packer Bailey MC (5 December 1889 – 31 July 1917) was a Barbadian first-class cricketer and British Army officer.

Herbert Bailey

Personal information
Full name	Herbert Packer Bailey
Born	5 December 1889 St Michael, Barbados
Died	31 July 1917 (aged 27) Hollebeke, West Flanders, Belgium
Domestic team information
Years	Team
1909–10	Barbados
Career statistics
Competition First-class Matches 3 Runs scored 26 Batting average 8.66 100s/50s –/– Top score 13 Balls bowled 66 Wickets 8 Bowling average 8.25 5 wickets in innings 1 10 wickets in match – Best bowling 6/12 Catches/stumpings 1/0
Source: Cricinfo, 1 August 2020

Life and military career

Born in St Michael on 5 December 1889, Bailey appeared in three first-class matches for Barbados, all in the Inter-Colonial Tournament.[1][2] In his debut, playing British Guiana at the Kensington Oval on 13 January 1909, Bailey scored 13 runs in his first inning, but did not bat in the second.[3] During his next two matches, Bailey scored 8 runs and took 8 wickets for 28 runs as a bowler.[4][5]

During the First World War, Bailey enlisted as a private in the Artists Rifles.[1] He was commissioned as a temporary second lieutenant on probation in the East Surrey Regiment on 5 September 1916, becoming attached to a mortar battery.[6] Bailey was awarded the Military Cross for bravery in action near St. Eloi on 7 June 1917.[1] The citation read:[7]

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He displayed the greatest gallantry in handling a Stokes gun, following the first line infantry up to the final objective, where he consolidated later in the day. He showed great judgment, and was instrumental in repelling an enemy counter-attack by the skilful use of his gun.

— The London Gazette, 24 August 1917

Bailey was killed in action several weeks later at Hollebeke on 31 July 1917.[1] His body was not recovered or identified, and he is commemorated on the Menin Gate.[8]

References

1. McCrery, Nigel (2015). Final Wicket: Test and First Class Cricketers Killed in the Great War. Barnsley: Pen & Sword. pp. 446–47. ISBN 978-1-47382-714-1.
2. "First-Class Matches played by Herbert Bailey". CricketArchive. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
3. "Barbados v British Guiana in 1908/09". CricketArchive. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
4. "First-Class Batting and Fielding in Each Season by Herbert Bailey". CricketArchive. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
5. "First-Class Bowling in Each Season by Herbert Bailey". CricketArchive. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
6. "No. 29774". The London Gazette (Supplement). 5 October 1916. p. 9650.
7. "No. 30251". The London Gazette (Supplement). 24 August 1917. p. 8806.
8. "Casualty Details: Herbert Packer Bailey". Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Retrieved 1 August 2020.