Ernest Shorrocks facts for kids

Ernest Shorrocks (born March 12, 1875 – died July 20, 1916) was an English sportsman. He was a professional cricket player who played one important match for Somerset in 1905. Later, he became a soldier and sadly lost his life during World War I in France.

Ernest Shorrocks: A Life in Cricket and Service

Ernest Shorrocks was born in Middleton, England. He grew up to be a talented cricketer. He played the sport professionally, which means it was his job. He was also a brave soldier who served his country.

His Cricket Career

Ernest Shorrocks played in one "first-class" cricket match. This is the highest level of cricket played between major teams. He played for Somerset in the 1905 season.

His only match was against Lancashire at Taunton. Ernest was a bowler and a lower-order batter. He bowled 20 overs in the game. He managed to take two wickets, getting out two Lancashire players, Reggie Spooner and James Hallows. Lancashire scored a lot of runs, reaching 401 on the first day.

When it was Somerset's turn to bat, Ernest scored 0 runs in the first innings. But in the second innings, he scored an unbeaten 16 runs. Sadly, Somerset lost the match. Ernest was one of three players making their debut for Somerset in that game. For another player, Alfred Trestrail, it was also his only first-class match.

A Soldier's Story

Ernest Shorrocks was not only a cricketer but also a soldier. He was a serjeant (a type of non-commissioned officer) in the 20th battalion of the Royal Fusiliers. This was a famous British Army regiment.

During World War I, Ernest served on the front lines. He died on July 20, 1916, during the fierce fighting of the Battle of the Somme. This was one of the largest and bloodiest battles in human history. Ernest is remembered at the Thiepval Memorial in France. This memorial honors soldiers who died in the Somme region and have no known grave.