Trafford

Born at "Ashlands", Ashton on Mersey on the 1st May 1893, the son of
William Willoughby & Margaret Helena Briggs (nee Baron).    His father was
a solicitor.

1901 Census - Ashton Lane, Ashton upon Mersey.   Son - aged: 7 - born:
Ashton upon Mersey.   Head of household - William Willoughby Briggs -
Married - aged: 43 - occ: Solicitor - born: Hope, Flintshire, Wales.   Also
- Margaret H. Briggs - Wife - aged: 43 - born: Bamford, Lancashire.  Plus 2
elder siblings and 2 domestic servants.

1911 Census - Chalgrove Vicarage, Chalgrove, Oxfordshire.  Boarder - aged:
17 - Student - born: Ashton upon Mersey.   Boarder with Revd. John Howard
Swinstead, his wife Hannah and their 2 young daughters.     His parents,
plus 1 elder brother and 2 domestic servants were still residing at
"Brentwood" on Ashton Lane.

Played Rugby for Sale Football Club (RUFC).

The local newspaper states that he lived at "Brentwood",  A. on M and 9 St.
James's Square, Manchester.

Enlisted in the Manchester Rgt  in August 1914.   **His attestation papers
state the 1st October 1914**    Refused several offers of a commission, but
eventually accepted one with the 7th Bn Lancashire Fusiliers in May 1915
and was drafted to the front with them in August 1916. 

attd. 05th Bn [2]

SDGW states that he died on 21/07/17 and that he was with the 6th Bn
Lancashire Fusiliers.

Served in the Eltham College OTC for over 5 years

WO 374 states - On the 1st October 1914, he enlisted as a Private in the
2/6th Bn Manchester Rgt - No. 3030.  He was then aged 21 years, 5 months -
5 feet 10½ inches in height - with a 35/2 inches chest measurement and in
Good physical development   On the the 10th May 1915, he made an
application for a commission in the 7th Bn Lancashire Fusiliers.    The
record states that he resided at "Brentwood", Ashton on Mersey.   He had
attended the Royal Naval School, Eltham College, Eltham, Kent  and was a
member of their O.T.C. - leaving there on the 2nd August 1910.  His
occupation was - Land Agents Pupil.   His father was residing at
"Brentwood", Ashton on Mersey in June 1919 when asked to confirm the
address to which the memorial plaque and scroll should be sent to.    His
letters of Administration state that his father was his next of kin and
therefore the beneficiary of his estate valued at £4,913. 17.  4d.

Death reported i n the 24/08/1917 edition of the Altrincham Guardian.

Presumably killed on the first day of the "Battle of Pilkem".

Commemorated on the family gravestone in St. Martin's Ref: 5b.66.

His father W.W. died 01/06/1933 aged 77 and his mother died 15/10/1915 aged
57.

Three windows in St. Martin's P.C. are dedicated to His mother and to
William Lake Himself.