Frederic+Williams+Piggin



Inscription:

“In loving Memory of Annie, Wife of Richard S Piggin, of Beeston House, Beeston, Notts. And daughter of the late Thomas Hancock, of Boya Grange, Dale Abbey. Who died Oct 2nd 1924, in her 78th year. Also of her beloved husband, Richard Salt Piggin who died Dec 28th 1931 aged 87 years. Also Capt. Frederic Williams Piggin, M.C. South Notts Hussars eldest son of the above who gave his life for his country in the Great War May 26th 1917.”

Piggin Frederick William, Captain, MC, South Nottinghamshire Hussars Drowned 27th May 1918 Commemorated on the Chatby Memorial, Alexandria, Egypt

Frederic had served in the Boer War and when war was declared in August 1914, he joined the South Notts Hussars along with his younger brother Henry. (Henry later transferred to the 1st North Midland Field Ambulance and then the Army Remount Service).

The South Notts Hussars were originally part of the 1st Mounted Division, but were transferred to the 2nd Mounted Division in September 1914 and, after eight months of training in Norfolk, sailed form Avonmouth on 9th April 1915 to Egypt. On arrival in Alexandria on 24th April 1915, they were “dismounted” and operated as normal infantry.

They landed at Suvla Bay, Gallipoli on 18th August 1915 and served there until the evacuation from the beaches in December 1915 and returned to Egypt. In February 1916, they moved to Salonika as part of the 7th mounted Brigade.

On 26th June 1916, Frederic was part of D Squadron, who were patrolling towards the village of Bukova Zuma off the Struma River. They discovered that the railway line to the East and West of the village was held by the enemy after the advance guard of the Squadron was fired on as they approached to within 100 yards of the enemy posts. Private Kirkland’s horse was shot down and he was wounded. Private Phillips rode to his aid and gave him his own horse and started back on foot. Frederic rode to Private Phillips, taking another horse with him, and brought him back safely. Frederic was promoted to Temporary Captain on 1st August 1916.

In June 1917, the South Notts Hussars left Salonika and arrived back in Egypt on 4th July 1917, where they were placed under the orders of the Desert Mounted Force.

Frederic was awarded the Military Cross for his actions in Palestine November 1917, whilst in temporary command of D Squadron, where he was mainly instrumental in the capture of two Turkish Field Guns and 117 prisoners. The award of his MC was mentioned in the 5th July 1918 edition of the London Gazette:

“Lt. (acting captain) Frederick William Piggin, Yeo. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He was in command of the leading squadron in an action, and led his men with great skill. He advanced rapidly over very difficult country, driving back a superior force of the enemy. He cut the enemy’s line of retreat, capturing two field guns and some prisoners.”

In April 1918, the South Notts Hussars were merged with the Warwickshire Yeomanry to form B Battalion of the Machine Gun Corps.

On the 26th May 1918 the Battalion sailed from Alexandria for France onboard HMT Leasowe Castle, which was part of a convoy of 6 transport ships and escorts. The ship was torpedoed at 12.25 am on 27th May 1918, approximately 100 miles from Alexandria. Frederic, along with 50 other officers and men from the South Nottinghamshire Hussars, was drowned. A total of 101 of the 3,000 plus troops and crew onboard the ship died.

1911 Census Born Long Eaton, Derbyshire, about 1877 Employed as a riding instructor Son of Richard Salt Piggin, a horse dealer, and Annie Piggin, of Beeston House, 10, West End, Beeston, Nottinghamshire