Hugh Poyntz facts for kids

Hugh Stainton Poyntz (born September 17, 1877 – died June 22, 1955) was a brave soldier who also loved playing cricket. He played for Somerset from 1904 to 1921. He also played a few games for the Orange Free State in South Africa. Hugh was born in Nottingham and passed away in Harestock, Hampshire. He received special awards for his service: the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) and the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

Hugh's Family and Early Life

Hugh Poyntz came from a military family. He was the sixth of many children. His father was a high-ranking officer in the Royal Marines Light Infantry. Later, his dad became the police chief for Essex. Hugh's younger brother, Massey Poyntz, was also a cricketer. Massey even led the Somerset team in 1913 and 1914.

Hugh's Military Career

Hugh went to Eastbourne College for his education. After that, he joined the Army in 1896. He first joined a group called the Sherwood Foresters. In 1899, he moved to the Bedfordshire Regiment. His older brother, Henry, was also an officer there. Hugh served in the Army for 37 years, until he retired in 1936.

Serving in Wars

Hugh fought in the Boer War in South Africa. In April 1900, he was promoted to a full lieutenant. He became a captain in 1907. When First World War started, Hugh was already a major. He was promoted to a temporary lieutenant-colonel in November 1915. He received more temporary promotions in 1917 and 1918. By 1921, he became a full lieutenant-colonel. He was honored with the Distinguished Service Order for his bravery. He was also mentioned twice in official reports for his good work.

Leading a School

Near the end of the First World War, Hugh was put in charge of a special group. This group trained young officers. After the war, he joined the new Royal Army Educational Corps. For the last ten years of his military career, Hugh was the headmaster of a school. This school was called the Duke of York's Royal Military School. It was a boarding school in Dover for children of military families. Hugh was known as the "Commandant" there. When he retired from the Army in 1936, he received the OBE award.

Hugh's Sporting Life

Hugh Poyntz played first-class cricket for Somerset from 1904 to 1910. He usually batted in the middle or lower part of the team. In his third game in 1904, he played against Kent. He scored 85 runs in the first part of the game. This was his highest score ever in first-class cricket. He also scored 48 runs in the second part of that game.

Cricket Highlights

In 1905, Hugh scored 50 runs without being out in a game against Warwickshire. He also scored 80 runs in a game against Hampshire. This game was cut short because of rain. He didn't score more than 50 runs in his other games for Somerset. Hugh did not play for Somerset in 1911, 1912, or 1913.

Playing in South Africa

In the 1912–13 cricket season, Hugh played three games for the Orange Free State team in South Africa. He was even the captain of the team in some matches. As captain, he decided to bowl leg-breaks. He took three wickets for 37 runs in his first bowling turn. He took five wickets in total across his three games. These were the only wickets he took in first-class cricket. He returned to play two more games for Somerset in 1914. He played one final game in 1921.

Other Sports

Hugh Poyntz was also a good soccer player. He was the captain of the Army soccer team in 1907.