EDWARD OTHO BRIGGS
Edward is not commemorated on the war memorial at Christchurch Park, Ipswich.
Born: 28th September 1917, at 31, Kings Avenue, Ipswich.
Edward’s father, Archibald Briggs, was a Gunner, 169794, for the Essex and Suffolk R.G.A.
Died: 9th March 1944; age: 27; in Burma.
Residence: Mill Cottage, St. Oysth, Essex.
Rank: Lieutenant; service number: 271792.
Regiment: Royal Engineers, attached to the 401 Royal Bombay Field Squadron Royal Indian Engineers.
Medals Awarded: On the 18th May 1944, Edward was awarded a posthumous Military Cross for gallantry in the construction of a stream (chaung) crossing for tanks of the 25th Dragoons during the Battle of Admin – East of the Ngakyedauk Pass with Jamadar.
26th February 1944 – On the 5th February Lieutenant Briggs accompanied by Jem: BHAGWAHTRAO MORE and 2 I.O.R.s was ordered to report to O.C. “B” Squadron and assist DIV R.E.s in construction of CHAUNG crossings in the area 4356 and 4456. The officer proceeded in a Bren carrier. On completion of the crossing the tanks crossed to the NORTH but in doing so damaged the crossings. The crossings came under heavy enemy fire which necessitated the withdrawal of the engineer dets. Lieutenant Briggs and his small party remained in position until all the tanks had returned over the crossings. Without his work this would have been impossible. This operation showed a very high standard of courage and leadership and ensured the safety of valuable material and personnel of 25 D.
Memorial Reference:
Face 3.
Myanmar.
Relatives Notified and Address: Son of Archibald Otho Briggs and Lilian Edith Briggs, of Paignton, Devon.
Father: Archibald Otho Briggs, born 6th August 1881, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire. A bank cashier and clerk. Archibald died in January 1964, at Severalls Hospital, Colchester, Essex.
Mother: Lilian Edith (Trixie) Briggs (nee Browne), born 11th August 1883, St. Matthew’s, Ipswich. Lilian died March 1977, at Ash Hill Road, Torquay, Devon.
CENSUS
1921 16, Worthing Road, Southsea, Hampshire.
Edward was 3 years and 9 months old and lived with his parents and brothers.
Archibald, 39 years & 10 months old, a Bank Clerk for Lloyds Bank, 87, Kings Road, Southsea.
Lilian, 37 years & 10 months old, Home Duties.
Gerald Otho Briggs, 9 years & 9 months old, at School, born Fairlea, Raneleigh Road, Felixstowe, Suffolk.
Clement Otho Briggs, 7 years old, at School, born Fairlea, Raneleigh Road, Felixstowe.
visitor – Mary Elizabeth Newbym 55 years & 9 months old, a housewife, born Malta.
1 female domestic servant.
Probate to Archibald Otho Briggs – father, a retired bank cashier.
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