Stan Sismey

A lower-order batsman and wicketkeeper, Stan Sismey's first-class career spanned World War Two. He made his debut for New South Wales in 1938-39, playing eight times before the war. He served as a pilot, being shot in the side and forced down by German fighters in the Mediterranean Sea, being rescued unconscious after eight hours in the sea. He spent the remainder of the war as a test pilot in Scotland, joking there was so much shrapnel in his back the compasses of the aircraft he flew were affected.

In the latter stages of the war he was a regular participant in forces matches in England. In 1945 he was commanding officer of the Australian Services XI - Lindsay Hassett led the side on the field - and he played in the famous Victory Tests that summer, and travelled back to Australia with the side in 1945-46 via India and Sri Lanka. It was said at times he had to leave the field as pieces of shrapnel worked their way to his skin.

He played more Sheffield Shield cricket until 1950-51, toured New Zealand with a non-Test Australian side in 1949-50, and in 1952 turned out for Scotland during a summer spent there (he had met his wife while posted there in the war).

He was a NSW selector for 20 years from 1958-59, acting as chairman for the last ten years. He was subsequently president of the NSW Cricket Association for a further decade.
Martin Williamson