Wilfred Herbert Rigg was drowned at sea on December 30th, 1915. He was a passenger on the S.S. ‘Persia’ which was torpedoed [by German U-boat U-38 off Crete killing 343] on that date, whilst returning to his appointment in Burma. As his name did not appear in the list of survivors his friends have perforce to conclude that he was one of the victims. He was 88 years of age.
Mr. Rigg studied mining and the usual branches of science associated with it at Redruth School of Mines, and in 1900 obtained his first appointment as surveyor to the Usina Wigg manganese mines, Minas Geraes, Brazil. He held this post for two years, and after spending a few months in England, went to Portugal to inspect some tin properties in that country, and remained there during the greater part of 1903.
He obtained an engagement in 1904 as assistant superintendent at the plumbago mines of the Morgan Crucible Co., Travancore, South India. This he held until 1907, and was re-appointed to the same post, with additional responsibilities, a year later. He relinquished his position in 1911, and in January, 1912, went to Burma to act as mine superintendent for Messrs. Radcliff & Co. of Rangoon, on their tin and wolfram properties in the Tavoy district.
He returned to England in June, 1915, and after spending a few months at his home in the Isle of Wight, was on his way back to Burma when he met with his untimely end.
Mr. Rigg was elected an Associate of the Institution in 1914.
Vol. 25, Trans I.M.M., 1915-16, p.404
