Edward Thornton (cricketer) facts for kids

Edward Thornton, born on 27 October 1893, was an English man who played first-class cricket. He was also an officer in the British Army and the Royal Air Force. He passed away on 18 October 1970.

Edward Thornton: Early Life and Family Title

Edward Thornton was born in a place called Woodhurst, in Pease Pottage, Sussex, England. His father, also named Edward Thornton, was a diplomat. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations. His father worked in places like Buenos Aires, Russia, and the United States.

Edward's mother was Emma Jessie. Her father, Philip Rawson, was a important person in Sussex. Edward's grandfather was also a diplomat, named Edward Thornton, 2nd Count of Cacilhas. When his grandfather died in 1906, Edward became the 3rd Count of Cacilhas. This happened because his own father had died two years earlier.

Military Service: A Life in Uniform

Edward Thornton served in the military during two major world wars.

World War I Service

During the First World War, Edward joined the Royal Fusiliers, which was a British Army regiment. In August 1916, he held the rank of temporary lieutenant.

Later, in November 1916, he moved to the Royal Flying Corps. This was an early air force. He worked as an observer, helping to spot things from the air. He was given the rank of flying officer.

By September 1918, he was promoted to captain. Around this time, the Royal Flying Corps joined with another air service to form the new Royal Air Force (RAF).

Continuing in the Royal Air Force

Edward Thornton stayed in the Royal Air Force for many years. He continued to serve during the Second World War. In March 1945, he retired from the RAF. When he retired, he held the high rank of group captain.

Cricket Match: A Single First-Class Game

After the First World War, Edward Thornton played one game of first-class cricket. This is the highest level of cricket played in a country. He played for the Combined Services cricket team in 1921.

His team played against Essex at Leyton. In the first part of the match, Edward scored 21 runs. He was then dismissed by a bowler named Joseph Dixon. In the second part of the match, he scored 38 runs before being dismissed by the same bowler.

Personal Life and Legacy

In 1922, Edward Thornton married Marjorie Gabriel Pike. They had three sons: Edward Peter, Christopher, and David. They also had a daughter named Jean.

Jean married a Royal Navy lieutenant named Ralph Carnac Baker Stallard-Penoyre. Sadly, Ralph was killed in 1943 when his ship, HMS Dasher (D37), exploded. He is remembered at Ardrossan.

Edward Thornton passed away in Stockport in October 1970.