Littlehampton cricketing legend dies aged 91

Described as an “old-fashioned gentleman” by his eldest son, Anthony, 60, Eric Laker, who died at his home in Sea Lane, Rustington, on Wednesday, was known for his cricketing prowess as one of Littlehampton’s most successful players.

“He started playing cricket before the war and was a very gifted player. He would regularly open for Littlehampton Cricket Club and would sometimes score in the 90s. He was also a talented spin bowler and could often bowl four or five people out in one game. He was a kind, old-fashioned gentleman.”

Eric, who became the club’s captain during the 1950s, played for Littlehampton for more than 25 years. He was named player of the year in 1953 and, later, played cricket for West Sussex.

“He also played for the Royal Sussex Regiment for a number of years. He had a real enthusiasm for the game,” said Anthony.

Eric, who was born in Littlehampton, on April 23, 1920, was a pupil at the Connaught Road School.

As a child, he lived in Gloucester Place. When he was 14 he was asked to help officially open the Littlehampton Urban District Council offices, in Manor House, Church Street – a job which he was called upon to do again, in November, 2000, following the building’s renovation for Littlehampton Town Council.

Eric served with the Royal Sussex Regiment during the Second World War. He proved his mettle on more than one occasion, while fighting overseas.

“He was the regiment’s official recorder during the evacuation of Dunkirk, in 1940. It was his job to stay and make sure he recorded every man who was evacuated during the retreat.

“He was one of the last people to leave Dunkirk before it fell to the Germans. He never talked much about his time in the Army. He was a family man – unassuming with a good sense of humour. He was polite and we will miss him deeply.”

While serving in northern Africa, in 1942, Eric was one of hundreds of allied troops captured by German forces, shortly before the pivotal battle of El Alamein, in Egypt. He remained a prisoner of war for three years.

After leaving the Army Eric started work as a legal executive in Littlehampton. Soon afterwards he met his late wife, Monica. The couple married in 1950 and had two children, Anthony and Martin, and lived at Sandfield Avenue, Littlehampton. Eric also leaves five grandchildren.

Eric’s funeral is on Friday, September 30, at 10am, at Worthing Crematorium. Mourners are asked to donate to St Barnabas House hospice in lieu of flowers.