Arthur Graham Briggs
Stephen LearmonthArthur Graham Briggs was born in 1891 in Cudgewa, Victoria. He was the eldest of nine children to James and Emily Loiuse (nee Eames). The Briggs family was one of the early settlers in the Upper Murray and played an important part in its development.
Arthur enlisted in Liverpool, NSW, on the 18th of July, 1915. He indicated on his attestation papers that he had prior military experience, having been a member of the 17th battery of the AFA for two years. He was given the Regimental Number 598 and placed on the roll of C Company of the 2nd Reinforcement of the 30th Battalion.
The Monday, 6th of December, 1915, edition of the Border Morning Mail and Riverina Times describes Arthur’s short story:
"Death of Private Briggs
A Military Funeral
Under sudden and sad circumstances Private Arthur Graham Briggs, 24 years of age, son of Mr Jas. Briggs, of Townsend street, Albury, died at 2 o’clock on Saturday morning at the Albury Hospital.
It was only a few weeks since the late Private Briggs had decided to follow the footsteps of two of his brothers, who had gone to the front. In his departure Ald. H. G. Davies made him a presentation at the townhall on behalf of himself and other fellow employees at Messrs Frew and Logan’s brickworks, where the deceased had been employed. Being tall, robust, and alert, Ald. Davies commented at the time on the fine, typical Australian soldier Private Briggs would make. Although but a short time in camp in Liverpool, the deceased had well confirmed these prospects. However he became ill two weeks ago, and had not recovered when he was given final leave to come to Albury. On arrival here, the deceased was admitted to the hospital, and died from peritonitis.
The funeral, which was a military one, took place yesterday afternoon. A firing party comprising one sergeant and 12 privates led the procession. Next came the Albury Town Band, then the hearse (there being no gun carriage in Albury at present), the private mourning carriage, and the military mourners, comprising Colonel Wilkinson, Major Butcher, and officers of the 44th Battalion Senior Cadets. A large concourse of public followed the cortege to the cemetery. The funeral arrangements were conducted by Messrs Frew and Logan."
Arthur was buried in the Presbyterian section of the Albury Cemetery. He is remembered on the Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, the Cudgewa State School Roll of Honour, and the Corryong War Memorial.
