Regimental number | 1408 |
Date of birth | |
Place of birth | Gawler, South Australia |
Religion | Church of England |
Occupation | Engine fitter |
Address | Chapel Street, Broken Hill, New South Wales |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 24 |
Height | 5' 8.5" |
Weight | 147 lbs |
Next of kin | Mrs J P Riggs, Chapel Street, Broken Hill, New South Wales |
Previous military service | Has served Australian Rifles. 6 months. |
Enlistment date | |
Place of enlistment | Oaklands, South Australia |
Rank on enlistment | Corporal |
Unit name | 10th Battalion, 2nd Reinforcement |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/27/2 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A46 Clan Macgillivray on |
Regimental number from Nominal Roll | Commissioned |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Captain |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 50th Battalion |
Promotions |
2nd Lieutenant Unit: INF50 Promotion date: Lieutenant Unit: INF50 Promotion date: |
Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Military Cross Recommendation date: |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
Miscellaneous information from cemetery records | Parents: James and Emily RIGGS |
Medals |
Military Cross 'From 11th 13th September 1918, in the vicinity of Vendelles, north west of St. Quentin, he handled his company with strong determination and skill. By a vigorous system of skilfully organized patrols he located enemy posts, which he forced back without artillery support, capturing some prisoners and advancing his line over 1,700 yards, in spite of heavy hostile machine gun fire. On 13th September he beat off two hostile counter attacks against high ground of special importance. Throughout the operations he showed a splendid example of gallant and determined leadership.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 129 Date: |
Discharge date | |
Other details |
Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'Commonwealth', 18 April 1919; disembarked Adelaide, 6 June 1919; appointment terminated, 5 August 1919. Medals: 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal Death attributed to war service. |
Date of death | |
Age at death | 42 |
Place of burial | Rookwood Necropolis, New South Wales |
Sources | NAA: B2455, RIGGS Harold |