Sunday, 31 January 2016

A New Commander


Hugh Stainton Poyntz [X550/1/82]

Monday 31st January 1916: The 2nd Battalion are still at Suzanne which was still being shelled yesterday, though not so violently. The adjutant tells us that in the last three days twelve men have been wounded commenting that this is: “a remarkably small number considering the very bad fortifications found in this village”.

Lieutenant-Colonel Onslow left to command the 1st Bedfords and Major Hugh Stainton Poyntz has assumed command. Major Poyntz was, before the war, a cricketer of some note. He played for Somerset and brother, Massey Poyntz captained the eleven in 1913 and 1914. Major Poyntz has played 39 times for Somerset making 1,148 runs at an average of 19.46.

Source: X550/3/wd

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