Gustavus Fowke facts for kids

Gustavus Henry Spencer Fowke (born October 14, 1880 – died June 24, 1946) was an English army officer and a talented cricketer. He played "first-class" cricket for teams like Leicestershire and the Army from 1899 to 1927. He was born in Brighton, Sussex, and passed away in Wansford.

A Soldier and Cricketer

Gustavus Fowke went to Uppingham School. After leaving school in 1899, he started playing senior cricket. He played four matches for Leicestershire that summer. In his third game, he scored 55 runs against Hampshire.

Fowke then joined the British Army. In October 1900, he became a temporary lieutenant in the 18th Battalion of the Imperial Yeomanry. This unit was known as the "Sharpshooters." They were sent to South Africa in May 1900 to fight in the Boer War. Fowke was captured in March 1901 but was later set free. He left his army role in August 1901.

After the war, Fowke rejoined the Army as a lieutenant in the Gordon Highlanders. He was promoted to full lieutenant in 1906 and then to captain in 1911. He retired from the army as a major in 1919, after World War I ended. He was a prisoner of war for much of World War I, from October 1914 until November 1918.

His army career meant he couldn't play cricket as much. He played some smaller matches for Punjab in 1903. He also played for Leicestershire again in 1908 and 1911. In one match in 1911, he scored 67 runs and helped set a record for Leicestershire. He scored his highest ever runs, 113, in a match between the Army and the Royal Navy in 1913.

Leading the Cricket Team

When he was 41 and had retired from the Army, Fowke finally started playing cricket full-time for Leicestershire in 1922. Before this season, he had only played nine first-class games. Leicestershire needed him because their captain, Aubrey Sharp, could not play many games. Fowke was chosen to fill in, and then officially became the captain.

Even though he became captain by chance, Fowke proved to be a valuable player in 1922. He scored 977 runs, which was his best season. He didn't score any centuries that year, but he made 99 runs against Derbyshire and 98 runs against Glamorgan. Leicestershire won both of these games. Wisden Cricketers' Almanack, a famous cricket guide, called Fowke "one of the most dependable batsmen." They also said he helped improve the team's fielding.

Fowke continued to be Leicestershire's captain for the next five seasons. During this time, older players retired, and new, younger players joined the team. Fowke's own performance was still very good. He scored at least 500 runs each season. His only century for Leicestershire was 104 runs against Northamptonshire in 1923. He often opened the batting, but later moved lower down the batting order. He played in 29 first-class matches in 1927, more than any other season, and then retired.

During Fowke's time as captain, the Leicestershire cricket club became much stronger. They hired their first professional coach and expanded their membership. Fowke's hard work was recognized with a special award in 1928.