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BIOGRAPHY

STANLEY G. SISMEY, OAM

1. On a fine winter's day, the funeral service for the Late Stanley (Stan) George Sismey, OAM was conducted at the Forster-Tuncurry Uniting Church, Forster, on Friday 26 June 2009. The Australian Services Cricket Association (ASCA) was represented at the service by a Past President of the Australian Services Cricket Association (ASCA), Colonel (Retired) Wal Hall, and fellow ASCA Life Member and long time Secretary, Wing Commander Grant Pinder.

2. The service was extremely well attended and farewelled a gentleman in the truest sense of the word. The eulogy by former Test all-rounder, Alan Davidson, was very befitting of a man who served his country in war and in the great game of cricket. Stan's wife of nearly 64 years, Elma, and the family certainly appreciated the presence of ASCA representatives and the arrangement of flowers in memory of a great supporter of Services cricket.

3. (Squadron Leader) Stan Sismey was born in New South Wales in July 1916 and became a top class wicket-keeper and sound right-hand batsman making his Sheffield Shield debut in the 1938-39 season. In his professional life he was a senior manager with the Bank of New South Wales. He was married to Elma and they had two daughters.

4. Despite being shot down as a RAAF pilot flying Catalina flying boats and seriously injured at the end of 1942, he returned to flying duties until shortly before Victory in Europe, then transferred to the RAAF's London headquarters and was instrumental in organising the Australian Services Cricket Team. Prior to taking up this duty, the Royal Air Force offered him to become their No 1 Test Pilot given his excellent airmanship skills on this type of aircraft.

5. 'Stan the Stoic' was first choice as wicket-keeper for both the RAAF and the Services, but had to compete with Ron Saggers for a regular position in the NSW team, which he eventually did and was included in the team led by W.A. (Bill) Brown that made a non-Test tour of New Zealand in 1950. It was understood prior to the start of the war that Stan was touted as being considered to takeover from Bill Oldfield as the Australian Test wicketkeeper following the latter's retirement from international cricket.

6. Stan was appointed the Commanding Officer of the 1945 Australian Services Cricket Team at the end of World War II and the team played five 'Victory' Test Matches against an England XI and then subsequent matches in India, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) and Australia over nine months. The team was captained by Warrant Officer Class II Lindsay Hassett and included Flying Officer Keith Miller and several other State cricketers.

7. When his career in banking took him back to the UK in 1952, Stan continued to play cricket and represented Scotland in 1952 - until his death, he remained the oldest person to represent that country in international cricket. Altogether in 35 First Class games, he scored 725 runs (at an average of 17.68) and had 106 dismissals (88 caught and 18 stumped). Stan was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in June 1990 for services to cricket and awarded the Australian Sports Medal in July 2000 for 20 years voluntary service as a State Selector with the NSW Cricket Association. Stan passed away on 19 June 2009 aged 92 years.

Lest We Forget

Squadron Leader (Retired) Stan Sismey, the Commanding Officer and wicketkeeper of the 1945 Australian Services Cricket Team that contested the 'Victory Tests', has died at the age of 92. To have been so successful in commanding a team that included such strong characters as Lindsay Hassett, Cecil Pepper and Keith Miller speaks volumes of his ability as a leader of men. Stan remained a strong supporter of Services cricket his whole life. His final hoorah with Australian Services cricket was attendance at the 2007 International Defence Cricket Challenge. Stan is also remembered for his steadfast service to NSW cricket as an administrator and selector for long periods.

The Chief of the Defence Force was informed of Stan's passing and asked Wing Commander Grant Pinder to attend his funeral on Friday 26th June 2009. Wing Commander Pinder is a long time servant of Australian Services cricket and had known Stan since 1990, meeting him on many occasions over the ensuing two decades. The funeral was held at the Foster Uniting Church. Stan is survived by his wife Elma, and their daughters, Pam and Carol.

On behalf of the Patron of the Australian Services Cricket Association (ASCA), Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston AC AFC, ASCA President Brigadier Stephen Dunn AM, and all members of ASCA, we pass our condolences to Stan Sismey's family and our fond regards to a true gentleman. Stan Sismey will be remembered as a man that gave selflessly of himself in war, sport and life.