Sergeant James Briggs

Sergeant James Briggs, 2nd Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, He died from wounds, aged 32, on 17th April 1918 during the German Spring Offensive on the River Lys. He had been born in Kelso and was the son of Thomas and Isabella Briggs of Bowmont Forest and the husband of Elizabeth Briggs, “Hollybrae”, Birgham. He is buried in Meteren Military Cemetery, France. He had been employed as a gamekeeper for nine years on the Hirsel Estate, Coldstream until he enlisted in 1916. His original grave marker was allegedly brought back to Birgham and buried in the garden at “Hollybrae”. He is also commemorated on the Eccles Memorial. His headstone is inscribed ” Until the day breaks”. The photos show Allied troops preparing to resist the advancing Germans.