George Briggs

George Briggs was born 1884 Leasingthorne, Co. Durham. His parents were James Briggs and Mary Dunn. George married Annie Trusdale September 1, 1909.

In the 1911 census George and Annie and their baby Doreen Hazelhurst Briggs were Cornforth Lane, Co. Durham. George was a coalminer/stoneman. Sadly Doreen died in 1911 and Annie in 1915, age 30.

George attested November 9, 1914. He was 30 years 8 months old. George was 5' 9" tall, weighed 144 lbs, had a sallow complexion, blue eyes and dark brown hair.

George was first in the East Yorkshire Regiment, Private 14922, in which he served until January 27, 1917. George had been in France March 15, 1916 till July 8, 1916. He had received a gunshot wound to his right hand and thigh.

Back in England George met his second wife, Elsie Hammond, whom he married October 27, 1917 in the Sculcoates District in Yorkshire. They had a daughter, Eileen, born January 14, 1918.

George was then transferred to the Durham Light Infantry, Private 100133 April 24, 1918. George remained in England until he was discharged after the war April 26, 1919. His address then was 4, Worthing Street, Newland South.

During his war service George had qualified as a 1st Class Signaller.

For some reason George re-enlisted August 28, 1919 into the RAMC, Private 205869, under a false name - Joe Watson. His occupation was grocer and he was single!. His next of kin is given as Mrs Emma Young, Lumley View, Newfield, Newcastle on Tyne. This was for 1 year.

George Briggs is the great uncle of June Taylor of Newton Aycliffe.