An English army officer who served in the Crimean War and a cricketer who played for Kent County Cricket Club, known for his military bravery and sporting achievements.
Richard Romer Claude Baggallay was a renowned English army officer and cricketer who left an indelible mark on the fields of war and sports. As a distinguished military officer, he fought in World War I, earning him several honors, and later commanded internment camps on the Isle of Man during World War II. On the cricketing front, he played first-class cricket for Derbyshire between 1912 and 1919, captaining the side in 1913, 1914, and 1919.
Born on May 4, 1884, in Kensington, London, Baggallay was the son of Claude Baggallay, a barrister of Wilderwick, East Grinstead, Sussex. He received his education at Marlborough College, following which he joined the 11th Hussars.
Baggallay made his cricketing debut for Derbyshire in the 1912 season, playing in two matches. Although his initial performances were unimpressive, he went on to captain the side in the 1913 and 1914 seasons. His cricketing career was interrupted by World War I, but he resumed as captain in the 1919 season.
As a righthand batsman and occasional wicketkeeper, Baggallay played 59 innings in 31 matches for Derbyshire, scoring a highest of 88 and averaging 11.86. His last recorded match was in 1922 for the Household Cavalry against an Eton side.
Baggallay served in World War I between 1914 and 1919, distinguishing himself as a captain and major in the Irish Guards. He saw action at the Somme and Ypres and was mentioned in dispatches, earning him the DSO and MC in 1919.
In World War II, he commanded the Alien internment camps on the Isle of Man between 1940 and 1942. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, a testament to his bravery and leadership skills.
Baggallay married Kathleen Constance Charlotte FitzGerald Murphy in 1910 and had three children with her. He later married Phyllis Mildred Harriet Ford in 1922.
Interestingly, his brother Mervyn Baggallay played cricket for Cambridge University, while his cousin Thomas Baggallay played for Surrey, showcasing the family's sporting prowess.
Richard Baggallay's remarkable journey spanned two World Wars and a cricketing career that earned him respect and admiration. His bravery, leadership skills, and sporting prowess have left a lasting legacy, making him a celebrated figure in English history.
Baggallay passed away on December 12, 1975, at the age of 91, leaving behind a rich heritage that continues to inspire generations.
Born in 1871
Prolific writer of historical novels and adventure stories, also a talented landscape painter.
