John Sayer

John Druce Sayer (29 October 1920 – 27 October 2013) was an English first-class cricketer and an officer in both the Fleet Air Arm and the Royal Navy. Serving in the Fleet Air Arm during the Second World War, Sayer took part in mining operations against German-occupied channel ports, as well flying anti-U-boat missions during the Battle of the Atlantic. Following an injury sustained during an accident, Sayer transferred to the naval branch in 1947. He continued to serve in the Royal Navy until 1970, undertaking various duties during that time. He also played first-class cricket for the Combined Services cricket team.

Early life and WWII Sayer was born at Hong Kong. He was educated at Shrewsbury School, before enlisting in the Royal Navy as part of the Fleet Air Arm. He was based firstly at RNAS Lee-on-Solent, He later served aboard in November 1942, He served aboard an anti-submarine frigate in 1948, before being appointed as an instructor with the Royal Marines in 1950. He made his debut in first-class cricket for the Combined Services cricket team in 1950, against Worcestershire at Worcester. He played first-class cricket for the Combined Services until 1952, making four appearances. With his slow left-arm orthodox bowling, Sayers took 7 wickets at 39.14 runs apiece, with best figures of 4 for 38.

In 1953, he served aboard and the newly refitted . He was based at Singapore in 1962, where he played cricket against players from the Australia cricket team. retiring from the navy in October of that year.

Following retirement, he became a senior schools liaison officer for the navy, a position he retired from in 1980. He died at Easterton in October 2013.