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Sgt. Frederick Charles Riggs VC, MM.
British Army 6th Btn. York and Lancaster Regiment
from:Bournemouth
(d.1st October 1918)
Frederick Riggs was killed in action 1st October 1918, aged 29 and is commemorated on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial in France. He was the adopted Son of Elizabeth Burgum, of 39, Capstone Rd., Bournemouth
An extract form The London Gazette, dated 3rd Jan., 1919, records the following:- "For most conspicuous bravery and self-sacrifice on the morning of 1st Oct., 1918, near Epinoy, when, having led his platoon through strong uncut wire under severe fire, he continued straight on, and although losing heavily from flanking fire, succeeded in reaching his objective, where he rushed and captured a machine gun. He later handled two captured guns with great effect, and caused the surrender of fifty enemy. Subsequently, when the enemy again advanced in force, Serjt. Riggs cheerfully encouraged his men to resist, and whilst exhorting his men to fight on to the last, this very gallant soldier was killed."
