Eric Stanley Milthorp's Story.
Birkenhead News 14 July 1917Birkenhead Cricketer Killed.
The death in action is announced of Lieut. Eric S. M. Harding, of the King’s (Liverpool) Regiment. He was 25 years of age, and the second son of the late Mr. William Harding and of Mrs. Harding, 21, Templemore Road, Oxton.
Lieut. Harding was educated at Malvern College, and when the war broke out was preparing for the final examination to become a chartered accountant. He joined the ranks as a private in 1914, and obtained a commission in the following year, subsequently putting in some good work at Oswestry Camp as a bomb instructor.
He had been on the Western Front for some time, and on the 5th inst., while on patrol duty, a large body of the enemy tried to surround the patrol. Although shot in the leg, Lieut. Harding kept his men well in hand, but he was hit again, and died while being carried back to the trenches.
Lieut. Harding was well-known in athletic circles. He was secretary of the Birkenhead Cricket Club, and was regarded as one of their best bowlers. He was also a promising member of the Ramblers’ Football Club.