Riggs, Cecil

Normandy Massacres

Date of birth:: December 26th, 1920 (Nova Scotia, Canada)
Date of death:: June 7th, 1944 ( Beny-sur-Mer/Calvados, France)
Buried on:: Canadian War Cemetery Beny-sur-mer
Plot: II. Row: A. Grave: 5.
Service number:: F/55276
Nationality:: Canadian

Biography

Cecil Riggs was born in Nova Scotia and raised in a Christian household. He completed high school and spoke fluent English. Before enlisting, he worked in general labor. He joined the Canadian Active Service Force in August 1942, signing his attestation papers in North Sydney and pledging to serve for the duration of the war and any subsequent demobilization period.

Riggs was assigned the regimental number F55276 and served as a Private. His unit, the North Nova Scotia Highlanders, was part of the Canadian forces that landed in Normandy during the D-Day operations. On June 7, 1944, just one day after the initial landings, he was killed in action in France. His death occurred during intense combat operations near Beny-sur-Mer, a location that would later become the site of a Canadian war cemetery.

Following his death, Riggs was buried in the Beny-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery. His grave was initially marked with a temporary cross and later replaced with a permanent headstone. His family, including his father William Riggs of Regent Street, North Sydney, received official notification of his death and were sent his personal effects, medals, and a photograph of his grave. His mother received the Memorial Cross in recognition of his sacrifice.

Cecil Riggs was unmarried and had no children. His estate was distributed among surviving family members, including his sister Irene Riggs.

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!