Obituaries Australia

Archie Jackson, c.1930

National Library of Australia, 51771573

The most polished of all post-war batsmen, Archie Jackson, died in hospital at Brisbane last week. Youngest of all players to score a century in Tests between England and Australia, Jackson was 19 when he hit up 164 in his first Test innings, in 1929.

In his mastery of strokes, it is difficult to say which was his best — his glorious driving, slashing cover-hits, gliding strokes to leg, or crisp cutting.

Born in Scotland in 1909, he was brought to Australia as a child. His health was doubtful when he went to England for the 1930 Tests, and he never again was completely fit. Jackson's appearance in Brisbane cricket early this summer, when he transferred from Sydney, was followed by his final breakdown.

In six Test innings he scored 350 against England (average 58) and in all first-class cricket 4493 runs (average 46), including 12 centuries.

Test match players and thousands of friends attended the funeral in Sydney on Saturday.

Mingling among the crowd near his Drummoyne home were dozens of bare-footed boys, many carrying cricket stumps and bats — silent tributes to one who had been their hero.

The coffin was carried from the Brisbane Express at the Central Station through a guard of honor comprising the Australian team. W. M. Woodfull, the Australian captain, called the Test team to attention as the procession moved down the platform, and the members of the team stood with heads bowed and uncovered.

W. Hunt, the New South Wales player and an old friend of Archie Jackson, flew to Queensland to spend the last hours with the dying cricketer.

Cable and telegraph tributes came from far and wide, including one from Allan Fairfax, who is in France.

The pallbearers at the house were Woodfull, Richardson, Bradman, Oldfield, McCabe and Ponsford. At the graveside Alan Kippax replaced McCabe.

The New South Wales Cricket Association was represented by a number of officials. The Masonic service at the graveside was conducted by the W.M. of Ldge Haberfield (Bro. Y. R. Andrews).

Thousands lined the streets of Gladesville and Drummoyne. It was one of the biggest and most impressive funerals for years. Despite the long walk to the cemetery, thousands made the journey to pay their last tributes to the young cricketer, whose brilliant career had ended so tragically.