The AIF Project

Harold RIGGS

Regimental number1408
Date of birth--/05/1890
Place of birthGawler, South Australia
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationEngine fitter
AddressChapel Street, Broken Hill, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation24
Height5' 8.5"
Weight147 lbs
Next of kinMrs J P Riggs, Chapel Street, Broken Hill, New South Wales
Previous military serviceHas served Australian Rifles. 6 months.
Enlistment date2 December 1914
Place of enlistmentOaklands, South Australia
Rank on enlistmentCorporal
Unit name10th Battalion, 2nd Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/27/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A46 Clan Macgillivray on 2 February 1915
Regimental number from Nominal RollCommissioned
Rank from Nominal RollCaptain
Unit from Nominal Roll50th Battalion
Promotions

2nd Lieutenant


Unit: INF50
Promotion date: 24 May 1916

Lieutenant


Unit: INF50
Promotion date: 1 September 1916

Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Cross


Recommendation date: 18 September 1918

FateReturned to Australia 13 April 1919
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: 20 November 1919

Discharge date5 August 1919
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 death5 October 1932
Age at death42
Place of burialRookwood Necropolis, New South Wales
SourcesNAA: B2455, RIGGS Harold

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