William Richard Pointing, noted by Chailey Parish Magazine in March 1915 as serving his King and Country, was one of four brothers who served during the First World War.

 

He was born at Lewes about May 1889 and by the time the 1901 census was taken, was living at Tomsetts, Chailey with his family.  That family comprised James Pointing (senior) aged 44 and working as a postman, his 40 year old wife Alice (working as a laundress from home) and their four children: William Pointing (aged 13), Alice Pointing (aged nine), James Pointing (aged six) and George Pointing (aged four).  A fourth son, 14 year old Frank Pointing, was boarding at Teague Green, Chailey.

 

In October 1915, the parish magazine notes that Private W Pointing is serving with the Buffs (East Kent Regiment) in France.   His number - G/211 -  indicates that he enlisted between 15th August and 21st August 1914 and he probably landed with his battalion (the 6th) at Boulogne in June 1915.  In November 1915 the parish magaizne notes that he is with the 6th battalion and then, in December 1916, that he has been wounded.  In January 1918 it reports: Pointing, Pte W, 6th Buffs. Prisoner and this is then repeated up to and including the final published roll call in July 1919.  

 

William Pointing married Alice Levitt (1889-1985) at Battle in about May 1915.  He died on 3rd May 1953 at Cuckfield, Sussex.

 

William Pointing’s three brothers Frank, George and James all served during the First World War.  I believe that his mother, Alice Pointing, is the same Alice Pointing noted as serving as a cook with Sussex 54 VAD.  His sister, also Alice Pointing, married Ernest Frank Stevens who is also commemorated on this site.

 

 

Sources & Acknowledgements

 

• 1901 Census of England & Wales
• Chailey Parish Magazine
• http://www.familyworkings.com/gedcoms/keel/dat9.htm
• Michael of The Great War Forum for assistance with this man and other Buffs soldiers
• Lesley Hingston for information about William Pointing and his family