Eric Olivier facts for kids

Eric Olivier (born November 24, 1888 – died June 1, 1925) was a talented South African sportsman. He played first-class cricket in England before World War I. Eric was a right-handed batsman and a right-arm fast-medium bowler. During the war, he joined the British Army's Royal Flying Corps. He became a famous flying ace, winning eight air battles.

Early Life and Education

Eric was born in Oudtshoorn, a town in what was then the British South African Cape Colony. He went to school at Repton School in Derbyshire, England. Later, he studied at Cambridge University.

Sporting Achievements

Eric Olivier was a skilled athlete in both cricket and football.

Cricket Career

Eric played cricket for Repton School in 1906. He then made his professional cricket debut for Cambridge University in 1908. This first game was against Yorkshire.

From 1908 to 1909, Eric played in fifteen professional matches for Cambridge University. He was a fast-medium bowler and took 83 wickets. His best bowling performance was taking 8 wickets for only 51 runs in 1908. He was known as the university's best strike bowler. His last match for the university was in July 1909 against Oxford University.

In 1911, Eric joined Hampshire for the County Championship. He played seven matches for them that season. His time with Hampshire was not as successful as his time at Cambridge. He took 7 wickets during these matches.

After returning to South Africa, Eric played two non-professional matches for South Western Districts in 1913. These games were against the Marylebone Cricket Club.

Football for Cambridge University

While studying at Cambridge, Eric also played association football (soccer). He was a player for Cambridge University A.F.C..

Military Service in World War I

When World War I began, Eric Olivier first served as a soldier in the Union Defence Force. He fought in the South-West Africa Campaign.

On March 17, 1917, he joined the British Army's Royal Flying Corps. He became a flying officer on May 8. Eric was sent to No. 19 Squadron to fly SPAD S.VII fighter planes.

Becoming a Flying Ace

Eric achieved his first air victory on October 26, 1917. He forced a German plane down near Geluwe. On October 31, he drove down another German plane. On November 15, he and Major Albert D. Carter destroyed another enemy plane together. Three days later, on November 18, Eric, Major Carter, and Lieutenant A. Reid-Walker drove down a third German plane.

He became a "flying ace" on December 6, 1917, with his fifth victory. He, Captain Oliver Bryson, and Lieutenants Arthur Fairclough and R. G. Holt, forced down another German plane. His last victory in the SPAD plane was on December 22. He helped shoot down an Albatros D.V plane with several other pilots.

In January 1918, Eric's squadron received new Sopwith Dolphin planes. On March 17, Eric and Lieutenant Fairclough shot down an Albatros D.V. Soon after, Eric also took down a Pfalz D.III plane. Lieutenant Olivier left the Royal Air Force on December 28, 1918.

Later Life

After the war, Eric Olivier played for South Western Districts one last time in 1922. This match was against the visiting Marylebone Cricket Club.

Eric Olivier passed away in Cape Town, South Africa, on June 1, 1925.