Cecil Abercrombie, Date of Birth, Date of Death

Cecil Abercrombie

Scottish naval officer, cricketer and rugby player

Date of Birth: 12-Apr-1886

Date of Death: 31-May-1916

Profession: cricketer, rugby union player

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Lieutenant Cecil Halliday Abercrombie (12 April 1886 – 31 May 1916) was a rugby player, who represented Scotland and United Services RFC.
He was also a first-class cricketer, playing for Hampshire. Born in Mozufferpore, Indian Empire, Abercrombie was the son of an Indian Police officer.
He attended Berkhamsted School and then underwent naval officer training in Dartmouth.
Passing out in 1902, he went aboard HMS Hyacinth, joining the British campaign in Somaliland, and was part of the force that captured "Mullah" Hassan's stronghold at Illig in 1904. He won six caps for Scotland at rugby between 1910 and 1913, scoring a try in the match against France in 1911, which was nevertheless the first victory for the French over any of the Home Nations teams.
In cricket, he played 16 matches for Hampshire, scoring 4 centuries, with a high score of 165 runs. In the First World War, he was aboard HMS Defence at the Battle of Jutland on 31 May 1916.
The ship was struck by German fire, exploded and sank with the loss of all men, including Abercrombie.
He is remembered with honour on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.