Description

Alfred Riggs joined the Charlottetown Engineers, a local militia unit, in
1898. A store clerk by occupation, he
had decided to join the ministry when
the South African War broke out. The
combined pull of patriotism and adventure
was irresistible. Riggs put off his
studies, offered for, and considered
himself lucky to serve in, South Africa.
His first battle was Paardeberg. There,
on 18 February 1900, he watched his
friend Roland Taylor die. "Shot through
the heart," "didn't last a minute," "died
very peacefully," Riggs and others were
quick to assure Taylor's parents. Eight
days later it was his turn. In the chill of
the early morning hours, he took part in
Paardeberg's final stage, a night assault
on an entrenched position. Alfred Riggs's
adventure ended with three bullets to
the head. He was just short of his 22nd
birthday.