HFT ‘Bertie’ Buse was an all rounder who played 304 first-class matches for Somerset between 1929 and 1953. He notoriously selected the Championship match against Lancashire at Bath for his benefit in 1953. The pitch took vicious spin from the start and the match was completed in a single day. John Arlott described his bowling run up as being like a butler bringing in the tea. The article below is written as it might have been in 1953 in the style of charicature articles written of London society individuals in the magazine ‘Vanity Fair’ which was published between 1868 and 1914 .

1953

Herbert Francis Thomas Buse

He was born, inexplicably, at Ashley Down, home of Gloucestershire CCC. His early years are therefore, understandably, shrouded in mystery. This blot on his character was soon expunged by a move to Bath. Unsurprisingly, the move across the border begat a miracle for he promptly became a capital exponent of cricket, rugby football in which noble pursuit he represented his adopted city, table tennis and, a throwback to his Gloucestershire days, billiards.

For fully a decade he struggled to escape his employment in a solicitors’ office for the respectability of a cricketing career with Somersetshire. Then, when he finally had the honour of a professional contract bestowed upon him, his engagement was interrupted for six years due to the unfortunate timing of the Second World War.

Upon the resumption of the County Championship he became a stalwart of Somersetshire resistance to the overwhelming odds which traditionally afflict them. His batting success is a conundrum as he scores mainly with an unconscionable dab cut through the slips as his posterior simultaneously threatens square leg. As to his useful bowling it is believed he employs Mr John Arlott’s butler to undertake this function on his behalf. He knows the value of neat attire, a strict haircut, and a good Wikipedia entry.

He now stands at the zenith of his career and this year he has been awarded a richly deserved Somersetshire benefit. It is devoutly to be hoped his benefit is of such note that it becomes part of Somersetshire cricket folklore to the extent that it is remembered well into the next century.