Sergeant James Briggs

Sergeant James Briggs, 2nd Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. He was killed in action in France on 17th April 1918 during the German Spring Offensives aged 32. He was the son of Mr and Mrs Thomas Briggs of Bowmont Forest, Kelso and the husband of Elizabeth Hannah Briggs of “Hollybrae”, Birgham and is buried in Meteren Military Cemetery Nord, France. Until he enlisted in 1916 he had been employed as a gamekeeper on the Hirsel Estate, Coldstreram. It is believed his original grave cross was brought over from France and buried in the garden at “Hollybrae”. He is also commemorated on the Coldstream War Memorial.  His headstone is inscribed ” Until the Day breaks”. The photographs show Allied troops in makeshift defences preparing to resist the German advance.