Lives of the First World War

Ronald ("Rony") Thomas Stanyforth (30 May 1892 – 21 February 1964)was an Army officer and English amateur first-class cricketer, who played for Yorkshire County Cricket Club and England, captaining England in four Test matches. Stanyforth was born at Chelsea, London, England, the son of Edwin Wilfred Stanyforth of Kirk Hammerton Hall, Yorkshire. He was educated at Eton and Oxford University. He played for Oxford University in 1914 and then served in World War I. He was awarded the MC and CVO. After the war he played for Combined Services in 1922, Army from 1923 to 1929, MCC from 1923 to 1933 and H. D. G. Leveson Gower's XI in 1926. Stanyforth, a wicket-keeper, captained England against South Africa in 1927/8, when the series was a draw. Stanyforth served in the 21st Lancers, as Aide de Camp to General Alan Brooke 1939-1940, and as GSO1 21st Army Group 1941-1945. Stanyforth died at Kirk Hammerton, Yorkshire, in February 1964, aged 72.

Head and shoulders portrait of Lieutenant R T Stanyforth, 17th Lancers. Photograph purchased from Messrs Lafayette Ltd., May 1918.