Private Thomas Rigby

Thomas Rigby was born on 25 July 1925 in Liverpool, the fifth of seven children. He was educated locally and was employed as a driver’s mate after leaving school.

Private Thomas Rigby enlisted on 15 April 1943 as a driver in the 195 Company, Royal Army Service Corps, before transferring to 1584 Artillery Platoon and was sent to France from 16 July 1944 to 28 December 1944.

On 26 April 1945 Private Rigby again transferred, going to the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment with whom he embarked for India, landing in Bombay 4 May 1945 and was sent to Base Rest Camp, Nasik Road.

On 19 July 1945 he transferred a third time, to the Army Air Corps, and was posted to 15th Parachute Battalion, then on 22 May 1946 was permanently attached to HQ 6th Independent Parachute Brigade Group.

Private Rigby left Bombay and returned to the UK on 18 May 1947, and was released from service on 8 June 1947.

He married in September 1947 and lived in Southport, where he eventually joined Southport Corporation Transport as a bus driver. He continued to drive HGVs during the 1960s, before becoming a Hackney Carriage taxi driver.

Thomas Rigby died on 16 May 2003, aged 77.