Charles Rucker

Charles Edward Sigismund Rucker MC (4 September 1894 – 24 November 1965) was an English first-class cricketer and British Army officer.

Rucker was born at Chislehurst in September 1894. He was educated at Charterhouse School,[1] before going up to University College, Oxford.[2] While studying at Oxford, Rucker made five appearances in first-class cricket for Oxford University in 1914.[3] A right-arm fast bowler, he took 13 wickets at an average of 22.23, with two five wicket hauls and best figures of 6 for 69.[4] With the bat, he scored 66 runs with a high score of 26 not out.[5]

His studies at Oxford were interrupted by the First World War, with Rucker being commissioned in the British Army in October 1916 as a second lieutenant.[6] He was a temporary lieutenant in the Rifle Brigade by October 1915,[7] He was decorated with the Military Cross in January 1916, for conspicuous gallantry on the night of the 15–16th December 1915 at Cordonnerie when he led a bombing party to destroy a German listening post while under heavy fire.[8] He relinquished his commission in January 1918 on account of ill health,[9] having lost a leg in action.[1]

Following the end of the war, Rucker returned to study at Oxford, though played no further first-class cricket due to the loss of his leg. He served as the secretary of Oxford University Cricket Club in 1919.[1] Rucker died at Blandford Forum in November 1965. His brother, Patrick, also played first-class cricket for Oxford and was killed during the Second World War, while another brother, Robin, was killed during the First World War in service with the Royal Air Force.[10]