In Memory Of

BRIERS, ABRAHAM JOHANNES JACOBUS

Service Details
Age:
 30
Date of Birth:
 -0001-11-30
Service No:
 7195
Rank:
 Private
Unit:
 1st Regt.
Unit 2:
 "C" Coy.
Regiment:
 South African Infantry
Date of Death:
 1916-10-18
Cause of Death:
 Killed in action. On the 18th October 1916, at 3.40 am, three companies of the 1st S.A.I. attacked Snag and Tail Trenches. The B Coy failed to realize that they had reached Snag Trench and continued beyond it. They had lost touch with their flanks and only some men succeeded to come back. Only a block was established at 50 metres of The Pimple. The D Company launched an attack at 5.45 pm and Snag Trench was occupied but the machine-gun fire from the Butte de Warlencourt took a heavy toll, leaving a small group in the trench.
Commemoration
Grave Reference:
 Pier and Face 4 C.
Cemetery:
 THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
Localitly:
 Somme
Country:
 France
Additional Information
Son of Mauritz Rijk Hendrik & Jeanette Sophia (nee Nel) Briers, of Klapmuts, Cape Province. Born Otterkuil, Paarl District. Educated Paarl Boys High School. A farmer on 'Leubec' farm, Groot Drakenstein. His brother Gideon Retief Briers also died in service.