Gerald Ridley

Gerald Vernon Newport Ridley TD, JP (23 October 1897 – 12 November 1953) was an English cricketer. Ridley was a right-handed batsman who bowled right-arm medium pace. He was born at Felsted, Essex.

Ridley served during World War I, during which he was promoted from 2nd Lieutenant to Lieutenant on 28 May 1918.[1] He later resigned his commission from the 2nd Dragoon Guards on 1 April 1920, retaining the rank of Lieutenant.[2] Later in November of that year, he joined the Essex Yeomanry, which was part of the Territorial Force.[3]

In cricket, Ridley made his first-class debut for Essex against the Combined Services in 1922. He made five further first-class appearances for Essex, the last of which came against Somerset in the 1926 County Championship.[4] In his six first-class appearances, he scored 113 runs at an average of 10.27, with a high score of 66 not out54.[5] This score, which was his only first-class half century, came against Gloucestershire in 1924.[6]

In September 1930 he was awarded the Efficiency Decoration for over twelve years service in the Essex Yeomanry (his service had earlier been placed back to 28 May 1918).[7] By 1938 he held the rank of Captain and had been awarded the Territorial Decoration, it was in this year that he resigned his commission.[8] Outside of his cricket and military service he worked as a Justice of the peace. He was also a member of the Executive Committee at Essex County Cricket Club until his death at Chignal St James, Essex on 12 November 1953.[9]