Pearson 'Digger' Rigg MM No 3 Commando

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 21/04/2012 13:37:32

It is with a great deal of sadness that we inform of the passing of a fellow Commando and dear friend Pearson 'Digger' Rigg MM of Whitley Bay, who died peacefully whilst with his loving family on 19 April 2012 aged 90 years.

Digger was a regular at most CVA events especially Alrewas and Fort William, along with his daughter Val and her husband Keith. Always with a huge smile on his face he was an inspiration to all - a true Commando and a true Gentleman.

Digger - you will be sorely missed by all - and never forgotton.

Rest in Peace

London Gazette 27 January 1944:

7402326 Private Pearson RIGG
Royal Army Medical Corps
No 3 Commando
MILITARY MEDAL (IMMEDIATE)

All the casualties caused in 4 Troop during the operations at Termoli between 3rd October and 6th October 1943 occurred in the positions in the forward defended line which were enfiladed by enemy tanks on the left. By the [...] machine gun fire had ploughed a track through the [...] in rear of our forward weapon pits, yet Trooper Rigg never hesitated to go forward immediately any casualty occurred. He dealt with five of our casualties in these conditions, often exposing himself for considerable periods while dressing them.

His conduct throughout the operation was in accordance with the highest traditions of the RAMC. [L.G. 27.1.44]

A true Commando who will never be forgotten.

Such sad news. I will remember him in Fort William last year enjoying the music and 'dancing'.

Love to Val, Keith and their family.

Janet

He will be sadly missed at Alrewas & Fort William.

The last memory I have of him is at the Fort William Remembrance Service with a little kitten playing under his wheelchair.

Rest in Peace Digger.

Nick Collins

http://www.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/events/Dieppe_001/FRANCE/GEDC6934.JPG.html

This is sad news. Condolences to all his family. I had the pleasure of meeting, albeit only briefly, Pearson Rigg and his good friend and Commando comrade John Dent at Alrewas in 2010. Sadly John passed away last year. Both true gentlemen now back together again.

http://www.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/3/3+Commando+post+war/4738829617_8523e93f24_b.jpg.html

Sad news indeed. I found it very good of him that he went onto the dancefloor in his wheelchair in Fort William last year to have some fun. That is Commando spirit!

Our condolences to his family. Rest in Peace Digger.

Jack and Ria Bakker

A very bad news. 'Digger' RIGG was a wonderful man. It was great when I met him the first time here in Normandy.
Last June, I was enjoy than he was still there with us and his family.

He is still with me, I have this photo enclose in my office.

Rest In Peace, dear 'Digger' !!!!

Love to the family !!!

stéphane

Never forget you, Pete !!!!

Digger's daughter Val has now informed me that the funeral will take place on Monday 30th April at Whitley Bay Crematorium at 3pm.

A wonderful memory of our dear friend Digger.

Our thoughts remain with Val and Keith and family.

Love from the Murrays

Very sad news indeed.

Digger was a true inspiration to us and we always enjoyed our rare meetings with him at CVA events. We have been honoured to have known this man.

Our condolences to the family and God Bless you Digger!