Herbert Lewis Briggs

An Acting Farrier Sergeant with B Battery 223rd Brigade, died on 13th of February 1919 at the age of 43. 

Herbert, who was often known as Lewis, was born at Marlesford, Suffolk, in 1876, a son of Frederick and Betsy Briggs. In 1881 his family lived at Black Street, Gisleham, and they were still living at Black Street in 1891. 

On 24 November 1899 Herbert married Alice Louisa Cole at Benacre Parish Church. Alice was living at Benacre and Herbert at Gisleham. In 1901 they lived at 2 Sandy Lane, Gisleham, and Herbert was a blacksmith. In 1911 they lived at Cooper’s Cottages, Gisleham, and Herbert was a cowman on a farm. For about thirteen years, until 1915, Herbert worked for Mr. Smith at The Hollies, Gisleham, and his work included the duties of a shoeing smith. 

Herbert was working as a shoeing smith when he enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft on 27 October 1915. He joined the Army Service Corps, service number TS/9216. Herbert was rejected for military service as ‘not likely to become an efficient soldier’. 

Later Herbert joined the Army for a second time. He joined the Royal Horse Artillery (Territorial Force), service number 638. He was promoted to Acting Sergeant before being posted to France. He may have served with the 2/1st (Somerset) Brigade.

At some point he was transferred to the Royal Field Artillery, service number 620321, and joined B Battery, 223 Brigade. At the end of the war Herbert was an Acting Farrier Sergeant. 

Herbert died from pneumonia contracted on active service.