Alfred Charles BRIGGS

26 February 1915

POPULAR OFFICER'S PROMOTION

Colour Sergt. A. C. Briggs, orderly-room Sergt. at the Skipton Depot of the 6th Battalion Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment, has been appointed superintendent clerk to the second West Riding Infantry Brigade and will report at Derby for instructions this week end. Col. Sergt. Briggs went through the South African war with the York and Lancaster Regiment, and on leaving the regular forces became attached to the 6th Battalion Duke of Wellington's at Skipton and mobilised with them early in August. After spending some time with the Battalion at Immingham and Riby, he was transferred to headquarters and has played an active part in recruiting the Reserve Battalion. When he leaves to take up his new duties Col. Sergt. Briggs will carry with him the best wishes of the officers and men of both Service and Reserve Battalions.

It is understood that the 6th (Reserve) Battalion Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment may, in the course of a few days, be transferred to a temporary 'war station' at Derby. Arrangements are said to be in progress there for the billeting of the troops who, during the past week, have been receiving additional equipment. No information is forthcoming as to the date of the departure or whether the accommodation in Skipton will be utilised for other troops.

During the week, work has proceeded on the usual lines - double company drill, route marching and trench digging. The health continues good and the men are in high spirits in anticipation of a move to other quarters.

07 May 1915

SKIPTON N.C.O. PROMOTED.

The many friends of Col.-Sergeant Briggs, of Skipton, will hear with satisfaction that he has been appointed superintendent clerk to the Second 1st West Riding Division, stationed at Doncaster, and accommodated under canvas on the Race Course. Col. Sergt. Briggs, who saw service in the South African War, was, prior to the outbreak of hostilities on the Continent, attached to the First 6th Duke of Wellington's as Orderly Room Sergt. at the Skipton Depot. He mobilized with them and left for Immingham. After spending some weeks with the 1st Battalion he was transferred to Skipton and played an energetic part in recruiting the Second Reserve Battalion. Shortly before the latter left Skipton, Col. Sergt. Briggs was promoted to the position of Chief Clerk in the Brigade Office, and was for a time at Derby. His latest advance carries with it the rank of Warrant Officer, and is a popular promotion.

05 October 1917

BRIGGS - September 29th, 1917, at 22, Ermysted Street, Skipton, Regimental Quartermaster-Sergeant Alfred Charles Briggs, 6th Battalion Duke of Wellington's Regiment, aged 45.

05 October 1917

DEATH OF REGIMENTAL QUARTER-MASTER SERGEANT BRIGGS - MILITARY FUNERAL AT SKIPTON

The death took place on Saturday, at his home, 22, Ermysted Street, Skipton, of Regimental Quarter-Master Sergeant Alfred Charles Briggs, who had a lengthy record of service to his credit in the Army. Forty-five years of age, and the son of an old soldier, he was born in India, and joined the Army as a youth. Part of his Army life was spent in India, and he also served with the York and Lancaster Regiment in the South African campaign. Altogether, he had nineteen years' service with the Regular Army. He came to Skipton from Keighley about five years ago, and before the war was on the staff of the 6th Battalion of the Territorials at the Skipton Drill Hall. When hostilities commenced he was mobilised with the 1/6th Battalion of the Territorials and served with them at various training quarters. He volunteered for active service, but when the Battalion was ordered to the Front in April 1915, he failed to pass the medical examination and was kept on home service. Subsequently he rendered most useful service as an instructor at various centres, including York and Cambridge, up to about ten weeks ago, when he received his discharge owing to illness. A sociable and even-tempered man, deceased had many other admirable qualities, and was a fine type of soldier of the old British Army. Since coming to Skipton he had made many friends, by whom his death is sincerely mourned. He leaves a widow and three children, a son, Corporal E. C. Briggs, having been killed in July last year whilst serving with the local Territorials.

The funeral took place at Waltonwrays Cemetery, Skipton, on Wednesday afternoon, and was attended with military honours, a detachment from the Skipton Platoon of Volunteers being present, in charge of Captain Horsfall and Lieut. Walton, in addition to a number of wounded soldiers from the Skipton Auxiliary Military Hospitals. During the procession to the cemetery the Skipton Volunteer Band, under the direction of Bandmaster Metcalfe, played the Dead March. The sergeants of the Skipton Platoon acted as bearers, and at the close of the service, which was conducted by the Rev. R. Thorman, vicar of Christ Church, the usual three volleys were fired by a firing party from the Volunteers in charge of Sergeant-Major Thompson, and the 'Last Post' sounded by the buglers.

27 September 1918

BRIGGS - In loving memory of my dear husband, R.Q.M..S. Briggs, of the Duke of Wellington's Regiment.

"To memory ever dear."

22 Ermysted Street, Skipton.