Trafford

Born on the 2nd July 1904 at Lowton, near Newton le Willows, Lancashire. 
Mother's maiden name was Thorp.  His father William, was a C.B.E., J.P., a
master cotton spinner.   His grandfather was Charles Eckersley, head of
Caleb Wright & Co., a large cotton company.

Known as "PT", he attended Rugby School and Trinity College, Cambridge and
for a while, was a director of G.W. Smith & Co., Coach Builders of
Stockport.

He played cricket for Leigh CC, then for Lancashire from 1923 to 1935, the
last seven years as their captain.   In June 1928, he was adopted as the
prospective candidate for Newton le Willows, but temporarily gave up
politics when he became Captain of Lancashire.   In 1933 he led the County
against Don Bradman's visiting Australian team.

He was an enthusiastic airman and was chairman of the Lancashire Aero Club.
  His wife Audrey, was also a member.    He often flew his own aircraft to
cricket matches and became known as the "cricketing airman".

In 1935 he was elected as the Member of Parliament for the Exchange
Division of Manchester and in February 1940, he was appointed Private
Secretary to the Board of Trade.

Until 1935, his home was at Lime House, Lowton, though it would appear that
he may have lived at Ashley, near Altrincham after that.

On the 13th August 1940, the Battle of Britain was at it's height, when
flying with 758 Squadron, stationed at H.M.S. Raven (the war-time name for
Southampton airport), Lieutenant Eckersley, together with Airman Sidney
John Snow were in a Percival Proctor training aircraft  - No. P6113, when
it crashed near Winchester.

He left a widow and two sons.