Gillespie, FS

Captain Francis Sydney Gillespie

Francis was born on March 26th 1889, one of ten children born to Scottish engineer John Gillespie, who would later go on to become President of the English Bowls Association, and his wife, Eleanor. Of these he was one of only two to attend Dulwich, with his elder brother Gerald having started at the College a few months earlier. In the final of Francis’ three years he was a member of the 2nd XI, and after having left joined his father’s engineering firm. He continued to play cricket after he left the College, becoming a member of both the London County Club as well as the Wanderers, and, in 1912 being called up to the Surrey 2nd XI. That year he had an outstanding summer, averaging more than 60 for Surrey 2nds, and scoring an unbeaten 217 whilst playing for Wanderers. As a result of this he was promoted to Surrey’s 1st team the following summer, going on to appear in six first class games; despite scoring 72 on debut he went on to average only 22 for the season, and voluntarily ended his cricket career after that summer.
Within a week of war being declared Francis had volunteered for the forces, signing up at first as a member of the Honourable Artillery Company, but shortly afterwards took up a commission in the Royal Sussex Regiment. During his training he took a course in Musketry at Hythe, coming out top from more than 200 young officers, and in July 1915 was promoted to Captain. In March 1916 he went out to the front for the first time, being stationed in the Ypres sector. On June 17th that year he was leading a reconnaissance patrol across no man’s land when he was severely wounded by enemy fire, dying from his wounds the following morning.