RIGGS IN THE ARMED FORCES
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BRAVERY AND DISTINGUISHED SERVICE:
BRITISH

CONTENTS OF THIS PAGE

Introduction and Sources Available Sergeant Frederick Charles Riggs, VC, MM Lieut.Col. Arthur Francis McCausland Riggs, DSO, MC Captain Thomas Henry R. Riggs, DCM, MM Private Frederick Ernest Riggs, DCM Private Charles Victor Riggs, DCM Chief Stoker Albert Edward Riggs, DSM Sergeant Eustace Cecil Howard Riggs, MM, Croix de Guerre Private Albert Charles Riggs, MM Private Frederick Riggs, MM Private Stanley William Riggs, MM Meritorious Service Medals Other Mentions In Despatches

INTRODUCTION AND SOURCES AVAILABLE

If an individual received more than one decoration for gallantry, the images of the decorations and the initials that appear after his name are in descending order of precedence in accordance with protocol. However, the details of the decorations are documented in the order they were awarded.

Clicking on the image of the decoration awarded will take you to a description of it on the separate "Bravery and Distinguished Service Medals" page for Britain and the Commonwealth. If you take advantage of this facility, use your browser's back button to return to this page. Brief descriptions and images of the various campaign medals which the recipients might also have been entitled to wear aren't referred to below, but can be found on the "Campaign and other Service Medals" page for Britain and the Commonwealth in the section on "Some of those who enlisted".

There is far less information on the internet regarding decorations and awards to British service men and women than there is for Australia. Almost all the information below has been obtained by searching online the Archives section of the London Gazette web site at www.gazettes-online.co.uk. Alternatively, where noted, the relevant document has been downloaded from the Documents Online section of The National Archives website.

Sergeant Frederick Charles Riggs, Victoria Cross, MM

MILITARY MEDAL awarded 1918OCT21 and published in London Gazette Issue 30962 page 12414: "20695 Sjt. F. C. Riggs, Y. & L. Regt. ([E] Bournemouth)."

VICTORIA CROSS awarded posthumously 1919JAN6 and published in London Gazette Issue 31108 pages 307-8: CITATION: "No. 20695 Sjt. Frederick Charles Riggs, M.M., late 6th Bn., York & Lanc. R. (Bournemouth). For most conspicuous bravery and self sacrifice on the morning of the 1st October, 1918, near Epinoy, when, having led his platoon through strong uncut wire under severe fire, he continued straight on, and although losing heavily from flanking fire, succeeded in reaching his objective, where he rushed and captured a machine gun. He later handled two captured guns with great effect, and caused the surrender of fifty enemy. Subsequently, when.the enemy again advanced in force, Sjt. Riggs cheerfully encouraged his men to resist, and whilst exhorting his men to fight on to the last, this very gallant soldier was killed."

Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Francis McCausland Riggs, DSO, MC

MILITARY CROSS award announced 1918Apr22 and published in the Supplement to the London Gazette dated 1918Apr19 Issue 30643 page 4831: the preamble to the collection of announcements states "AWARDED THE MILITARY CROSS" and the announcement reads "2nd Lt. (T./Lt.) Arthur Francis McCausland Riggs, York, L.I. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During a raid, on noticing that the enemy were placing a machine-gun in position in the "pill-box" which was his objective, he dashed forward and inserted a bomb in the loop-hole, which, on exploding, utterly destroyed the gun. Having summoned the enemy to surrender without effect, he personally superintended the bombing of the "pill-box", later entering it and securing identifications from nine of the enemy who had been killed. Throughout the operation he displayed the utmost gallantry and dash."

MENTION IN DESPATCHES announced 1940DEC20 and published in London Gazette Issue 35020 page 7202: preamble to list of names states "in recognition of distinguished services in connection with operations in Norway ... The King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry ... Riggs, (Lieut. (T/Capt) A. F. McC., M.C."
The Recommendation for Award (TNA Catalogue Reference WO 373/88, Image Reference 102/102) gave his rank as Captain and stated he was in the 1st Battalion of the K.O.Y.L.I. which formed part of the Sickle Force Division of the 5th Corps. The Honour recommended by Major General Paget, DSO, MC was for a BAR to his MILITARY CROSS. It was received by Division HQ on 1940May9 but amended by the Lieut.General to a Mention in Despatches. The action for which he was commended was described in the recommendation as follows:
"This Officer's company was attacked by a Medium Tank. He went back to an A/T Gun which was unable to see the tank, but brought it out into the road in full view, but again it could not fire owing to a road block. This Officer then went forward to the road block and under heavy machine gun fire from the tank succeeded in pulling away part of the block, so enabling the gun to fire. The tank was knocked out. The officer was severely wounded whilst removing the road block. He displayed great gallantry throughtout the operation."

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER award announced 1943OCT21 and published in London Gazette Issue 36217 page 4661: "Captain (temporary Major) (acting Lieutenant-Colonel) Arthur Francis McCausland Riggs, M.C. (9171), The King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (Res. of Off.) (Church Stretton, Shropshire) (since killed in action)* (to be dated 11th August, 1943)"
* but see the following entry, published in London Gazette Issue 36222 page 4713:
"War Office, 26th October, 1943. The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following award in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Sicily:— The Distinguished Service Order. Captain (temporary Major) (acting Lieutenant-Colonel) Arthur Francis McCausland Riggs, M.C. (9171), The King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (Res. of Off.). (Substituted for the announcement in respect of this officer in the London Gazette (No. 36217) of the 21st October, 1943.)"
The Recommendation for Award (TNA Catalogue Reference WO 373/3, Image Reference 516/515) gave his rank as War Substantive Captain (Temporary Major) now Acting Lieutenant Colonel and stated he was in the 1st Battalion of the K.O.Y.L.I. which formed part of the 15th Infantry Brigade of the 5th Division of the 13th Corps. It was received by Division HQ on 1943Jul24 and finally passed by the Army Group on 1943Sep10, having been endorsed by General Bernard Montgomery of the 8th Army. The action for which he was commended was described in the recommendation as follows (note that his surname in the heading of the form was originally written as 'McRIGGS' but 'Mc' was then crossed through and replaced by 'McCAUSLAND'):
" For outstanding leadership and gallantry on July 13 43 SOUTH OF VILLASMUNDO, in an attack on a formidable enemy position which was holding up the advance. The forcing of this position was of vital importance to subsequent operations.
During the recce for the attack, his Battalion Commander was wounded. He immediately took over the recce and organisation of his battalion's attack.
The objectives necessitated the crossing of a deep nullah under direct enemy observation and fire,
The battalion suffered heavily in its efforts to force this obstacle and only isolated parties got across.
Major McRIGGS (sic) led a small party on to the second objective; on reaching it, he had only one man left and had to withdraw, across the nullah.
The battalion meanwhile was under heavy fire; he started reorganising for a further attack, which, however, was anticipated by the enemy's withdrawing from his positions, and the Brigade eventually occupied VILLASMUNDO the same night.
The personal leadership and determination shown by Major McRIGGS (sic) in his battalions efforts to reach its objectives were an inspiration to all ranks and contributed in no small degree to the successful opening of the road to VILLASMUNDO."

Published 1917NOV22 in Supplement to London Gazette Issue 30394 page 12113: "Yorks. L.I. - 2nd Lt. A. F. McC. Riggs relinquishes the temp. rank of Lt. on ceasing to be empld. with a Bn. 23 Nov.1917."
ROYAL AIR FORCE GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH: published 1923MCH30 in London Gazette Issue 32810 page 2420: "The undermentioned are granted short service commissions as Flying Officers for seven years on the active list, with effect from, and with seniority of, 15th Mar.1923 ... Arthur Francis McCausland RIGGS, M.C. (Lt., R.A.R.O., K.O.Y.L.Infy.)."
Published 1924NOV11 in London Gazette Issue 32991 page 8170: "Flying Officers. ..., and Arthur Francis McCausland RIGGS, M.C., take rank and precedence as if their appointments as Flying Officer bore date 25th July 1924. Reduction to take effect from 15th Sept.1924."
HONORARY RANK ON RETIREMENT announced 1946JLY23 and published in Supplement to London Gazette Issue 37660 page 3786: "K.O.Y.L.I. Lt. (War Subs. Maj.) A. F. McC. RIGGS, D.S.O., M.C. (9171), having exceeded the age limit of liability to recall, ceases to belong to the Res. of Offrs., 23rd July 1946, and is granted the hon. rank of Lt.-Col."

FRANCIS LEWIS RIGGS married Harriott Georgiana McCAUSLAND on 1887JAN12 at St. George's Church, Claines, in the Registration District of Worcester. The certificate shows that Francis was a bachelor age 31, a Clerk in Holy Orders, residing in Londonderry, Ulster, Ireland: his father is shown as Thomas Matthew Riggs, a Land Agent. Harriott was a spinster age 32, residing in St George's Parish Worcester, and her father was Marcus Samuel Hill McCausland, gentleman. Her father was a co-witness to the marriage together with Emily Theodosia McCausland.
The Leitrim Genealogy Centre's Online Irish Genealogy Databases include a Civil Birth Record for 'Arthur Francis MacCausland (sic)' RIGGS, of Caddagh Glebe in Dromahaire Civil District with a date (presumably of birth) shown as '17/06/1896 (sic)': his father is shown as 'Francis Louis (sic) Riggs, Clerk in Holy Orders', and his mother as 'Harriott Georgiana MacCausland (sic)'. They also include a Church Baptism record for 'Arther (sic) Francis McCausland' of Dromahair, baptised in Killanummery Church of Ireland with a date (presumably of baptism) shown as '16/06/1896 (sic)': his father is shown as 'Francis Leuis (sic) Riggs', and his mother as 'Harriott Georgi Not Given (sic)'. I queried the discrepancies in dates and spelling with the Leitrim Genealogy Centre, and was told that they were unable to check the Killanummery registers which had been returned to the church, but that they had checked the Civil Record and confirmed it showed the date of birth to be 1896JNE17.
Arthur's death is shown in the Civil Registration indexes for England and Wales in the fourth quarter of 1976 registered in the Swindon Registration District in England, and the entry quotes his date of birth as 1896JNE16.

Captain Thomas Henry R. Riggs, DCM, MM

MILITARY MEDAL awarded 1916SEP21 and published in London Gazette Issue 29758 page 9203: "8900 L./Cpl. (Actg. Cpl.) T. H. R. Riggs, Linc. R.."

DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL awarded 1916NOV14 and published in London Gazette Issue 29824 page 11100: CITATION: "8900 Sjt. T. H. R. Riggs, Linc. R. For conspicuous gallantry in action. With a raiding party he forced his way through the enemy's wire and entered his trench with great courage, under heavy fire. Later, he went out three times to look for an officer who was missing. His courage and example on many occasions has been splendid."

COMMISSIONED IN THE FIELD: announced and dated 1918JNE14 and published in London Gazette Issue 30776 page 7773: "The undermentioned are granted temp. commns. as 2nd Lts., Observer Officers: ... T. H. R. Riggs (2nd Lt., Linc. R.)."
FURTHER PROMOTION: announced 1918DEC17 and published in London Gazette Issue 31070 page 14806: "The undermentioned 2nd Lts. to be Lts.: ... Linc. R. — T. H. R. Riggs. 14th Oct. 1918."
ROYAL AIR FORCE FLYING BRANCH: rank confirmed 1918DEC31 and published in London Gazette Issue 31091 page 15288: "The undermentioned 2nd Lts. to be Lts.: ... T. H. R. Riggs. 14th Oct. 1918."
'Antedating' of his commission announced 1919JAN31 and published in London Gazette Issue 31187 page 2433: "Lt. T. H. R. Riggs is antedated in his appointment as 2nd Lt. (O.) to 20th Apr, 1918."
Return to Army announced 1919DEC16 and published in London Gazette Issue 31392 page 15621: "The undermentioned relinquish their temp. R.A.F. commns. on return to Army duty: ... Flying Officer T. H. R. Riggs (Lt., Lincoln R.). 14th Nov. 1919."
RANK ON RETIREMENT announced 1947AUG29 and published in London Gazette Issue 38058 page 4087: "INFANTRY. R. Lincoln R. Capt. (Bt. Maj.) T. H. R. RIGGS, D.C.M., M.M. (15878), having exceeded the age limit of liability to recall, ceases to belong to the Res. of Offrs., 29th Aug. 1947."

THOMAS HENRY ROBINSON RIGGS's birth was registered in the 1st quarter of 1892 in the Henley Registration District in Oxfordshire, and he was baptised on 7FEB1892 in Penn, Buckinghamshire, which means he was 24 at the time these awards were made. His death appears in the index for the first quarter of 1956 registered in the Eton Registration District, and it quotes his age as 64. For details of his family, please see the OXF~HEN Family Group (to follow).

Private Frederick Ernest Riggs, DCM

DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL awarded to Private Frederick Ernest Riggs, but no trace of the award or citation being published in London Gazette has yet been found.

Frederick Ernest Riggs, DCM, of the 2nd Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment, was from Bushey, Hertfordshire, was born in Hampstead, London, and died of wounds in France and Flanders on 1915SEP27 (source: Soldiers Died in the Great War CD). He was 27 and the son of Joseph and Elizabeth Riggs (source: Commonwealth War Graves Commission).

FREDERICK ERNEST RIGGS's birth was registered in the 1st quarter of 1888 in the Hampstead Registration District in London. For details of his family, please see the DOR~PUD#2 Family Group (to follow).

Private Charles Victor Riggs, DCM

DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL awarded 1918JNE3 and published in London Gazette Issue 30716 page 6482: "80160 Pte. C. V. Riggs, Essex Yeo. (Wanstead, N.E.).
CITATION published 1918OCT21 in London Gazette Issue 30961 page 12366: "80160 Pte. C. V. Riggs, Essex Yeo. (Wanstead, N.E.). For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This man went out under heavy fire to repair a line which had been cut, and succeeded in restoring communication. This is not the first occasion he has done so, and he has often shown marked initiative and courage."

CHARLES VICTOR RIGGS's birth was registered in the 2nd quarter of 1887 in the Ongar Registration District in Essex, which would make him 31 at the time this award was made. For details of his family, please see the DOR~CHE#1E Family Group (to follow).

Chief Stoker Albert Edward Riggs, DSM

MENTION IN DESPATCHES announced 1941JLY1 and published in London Gazette Issue 35204 page 3748: preamble to list of awards and names states "for outstanding zeal, patience and cheerfulness, and for never failing to set an example of wholehearted devotion to duty ... Chief Stoker Albert Edward RIGGS, D/K.63385."

MENTION IN DESPATCHES announced 1943JNE2 and published in London Gazette Issue 36033 page 2447: preamble to list of awards and names states "... for zeal, patience and cheerfulness in dangerous waters, and for setting an example of wholehearted devotion to duty ... Chief Stoker Albert Edward RIGGS, D/K.63385."

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL awarded 1945DEC11 and published in London Gazette Issue 37380 page 5990: preamble to full list of awards and names states "for distinguished service during the War in Europe: ... Chief Stoker Albert Edward RIGGS, D/K.63385."

Sergeant Eustace Cecil Howard Riggs, MM, Croix de Guerre

BELGIAN CROIX de GUERRE decoration announced 1918APR15 and published in London Gazette Issue 30631 page 4539: "G/2654 Serjeant Eustace Cecil Howard Riggs, Royal West Surrey Regiment (Broadstone)."

MILITARY MEDAL awarded 1918AUG29 and published in London Gazette Issue 30873 page 10133: "G/2654 Sjt. E. C. H. Riggs, R.W. Surr. R.(Broadstone)."

EUSTACE CECIL HOWARD RIGGS's birth was registered in the 1st quarter of 1897 in the Christchurch Registration District in Hampshire, which would make him only 21 at the time these awards were made. For details of his family, please see the DOR~R&R#10 Family Group (to follow).

Private Albert Charles Riggs, MM

MILITARY MEDAL awarded 1917JAN6 and published in London Gazette Issue 29893 page 347: "10520 Pte. A. C. Riggs, R. W. Kent R."

Albert Charles Riggs, MM, of the 6th Battalion, Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment), was born in Dorchester and was killed in action in France and Flanders on 1918MCH9 (source: Soldiers Died in the Great War CD). He was 28 and the husband of Mrs. C. Riggs, of 102, Oving Rd., Portfield, Chichester (source: Commonwealth War Graves Commission).

ALBERT CHARLES RIGGS's birth was registered in the 3rd quarter of 1891 in the Dorchester Registration District in Dorset and he was baptised 1891AUG30 at Fordington St George, Dorset, which would make him 25 at the time this award was made. For details of his family, please see the DOR~CHE#1C Family Group (to follow).

Private Frederick Riggs, MM

MILITARY MEDAL awarded 1919MCH13 and published in London Gazette Issue 31227 page 3430: "Royal Sussex Regiment. G/6421 Pte. Riggs, F., 8th Bn. (Bognor)."

There were a large number of Frederick RIGGS to whom this could refer, but none had any apparent connection to Sussex (assuming that was the Regiment of Frederick's choice). The birth of a FREDERICK OWEN RIGGS was registered in the 4th quarter of 1877 in the Lewes Registration District in Sussex. For details of his family, please see the DOR~R&R#9 Family Group (to follow): however he left England for Australia in 1909NOV.

Private Stanley William Riggs, MM

MILITARY MEDAL said to have been awarded and published in London Gazette 1918JAN14 but entry in London Gazette not yet found. Medal card (source PRO refce WO 372/23) states "Riggs, S. W., No. C/3629, Private 17th Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps."

The birth of a STANLEY WILLIAM RIGGS was registered in the 1st quarter of 1896 in the Camberwell Registration District in London, which would make him 21 at the time this award was made. For details of his family, please see the DOR~CHE#2 Family Group (to follow).

Meritorious Service Medals

These are normally classified as Service Medals, because they are awarded to warrant officers and senior NCOs to recognise long service (on discharge after at least 21 years) or given acts of merit. The right to initials after the name (post-nominal abbreviations) applies only for awards made before 20th July 1928 to persons serving in the Royal Navy.
From 1916, they were also awarded for acts of gallantry or meritorious conduct when not in the face of the enemy, and awards believed to have been made under this heading are noted here:-

Farrier Staff Sergeant Alfred William Riggs, Medaille d'Honneur
MENTION IN DESPATCHES announced 1917NOV28 by C-in-C British Salonika Force and published in London Gazette Issue 30404 page 12488: preamble to list of names states "for gallant conduct and distinguished services rendered during the past six months ... Army Veterinary Corps: Riggs, No. SE/5779 Shoeing-Smith (actg. Farr.-Serjt.) A. W."
MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL awarded 1918JNE3 and published in London Gazette Issue 30719 page 6509: preamble to list of names states "in recognition of valuable services rendered with the Forces in Salonika ... SE/5779 S./Smith (A./Farr. S./Sjt.) A. W. Riggs, A.V.C. (Evercreech)."
FRENCH MEDAILLE D'HONNEUR AVEC GLAIVES EN BRONZE decoration announced 1919JLY21 and published in London Gazette Issue 31465 page 9231: "SE/5779 Farrier Staff Serjeant Alfred William Riggs, Royal Army Veterinary Corps (Evercreech)."

The birth of an ALFRED WILLIAM RIGGS was registered in the 3rd quarter of 1896 in the Medway Registration District in Kent, which would make him 22 or 23 at the time this award was made. However, Evercreech (referred to in the London Gazette announcement) is in Somerset.

Sergeant Lewis Arthur Riggs
MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL:awarded 1918JNE17 and published in London Gazette Issue 30750 page 7164: preamble to list of names states "in recognition of valuable services rendered with the Forces in France during the present war: ... 23769 Sjt. L. A. Riggs, R.F.A. (Kennington, S.E.)."

The birth of a LEWIS ARTHUR RIGGS was registered in the 4th quarter of 1891 in the Newton Abbott Registration District in Devon, which would make him 26 at the time this award was made. For details of his family, please see the DEV~PLY Family Group (to follow).

Acting Sergeant John Frederick Riggs
MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL awarded 1918JNE17 and published in London Gazette Issue 30750 page 7164: preamble to list of names states "in recognition of valuable services rendered with the Forces in France during the present war: ... 85911 Pte. (A./Sjt.) J. F. Riggs, R.A.M.C. (Pimlico, S.W.)."

The birth of a JOHN FREDERICK RIGGS was registered in the 3rd quarter of 1884 in the St George, Hanover Square Registration District in London, which would make him 33 at the time this award was made. He was the grandson of George William Riggs who was born in Huntingdonshure circa 1832, but George William's antecedents have not yet been traced.

Private Percy Riggs
MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL awarded 1919JNE3 and published in London Gazette Issue 31370 page 6910: "Royal Army Ordnance Corps. S/7407 Pte. (T./Sjt.) Riggs, P. (Dorchester)."

A PERCY RIGGS was baptised 1893AUG21 at Fordington St George, Dorset, the son of Charles James Riggs and Lucy Riggs, and his birth was registered in the 2nd quarter of 1893 in the Dorchester Registration District in Dorset, which would make him 25 at the time this award was made. He is a descendant of James RIGGS of Hilton, Dorset and his wife Mary, but has not yet been linked into a Family Group.
Note that the births of the following were also registered in Dorset:
- PERCY CHARLES RIGGS, 1st quarter of 1883 in Sturminster Registration District
- PERCY KENWARD RIGGS, 3rd quarter of 1894 in Blandford Registration District
- PERCY RIGGS, 3rd quarter of 1898 in Wimborne Registration District.

Other Mentions In Despatches

Lieutenant P. Riggs
MENTION IN DESPATCHES announced 1945NOV39 and published in London Gazette Issue 37368 page 5804: preamble to list of awards and names states "in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy: ... Corps of Royal Engineers ... Lt. P. RIGGS (289791)."

Corporal T. J. Riggs
MENTION IN DESPATCHES announced 1915JNE22 and published in London Gazette Issue 29200 page 5988: preamble to list of names states "for gallant and distinguished service in the field ... Royal Engineers: ... Riggs, No. 15683 Corporal T. J.."

The birth of a THOMAS JAMES A. RIGGS was registered in the 2nd quarter of 1872 in the Bromley Registration District in Kent, which would make him 43 at the time this award was made. He was the son of Thomas Algernon RIGGS and Mary Ann (nee EBINS) but, as Thomas Algernon was a nurse child age 1 in Paddington in the 1851 census, no Family Group has yet been identified.

Leading Seaman Frederick William Riggs
MENTION IN DESPATCHES announced 1945AUG14 and published in London Gazette Issue 37220 page 4128: preamble to list of awards and names states "For gallantry, resolution and skill whilst serving in H.M. Ships Conn, Rupert, Redmills, Fitzroy, Byron, Grindall and Keats and H.M. Canadian Ships La Hulloise, Strathadam and Thetford Mines in successful anti-U-boat warfare: ... Leading Seaman Frederick William RIGGS, P/J.114889 (Gosport)."

Acting Temporary Leading Seaman Bernard Edward Norman Riggs
MENTION IN DESPATCHES announced 1945OCT23 and published in London Gazette Issue 37318 page 5180: preamble to list of awards and names states "For gallantry, skill and devotion to duty whilst serving in H.M. Submarine Trenchant in Far Eastern waters. Her operations in six patrols were successfully carried out in the face of opposition in shallow and difficult waters. During the last of these a Japanese heavy cruiser was sunk under exceptionally hazardous conditions. ... Acting Temporary Leading Seaman Bernard Edward Norman RIGGS, P/JX.250040 (Poole, Dorset)."

Marine Sidney George Riggs
MENTION IN DESPATCHES announced 1945JAN23 and published in London Gazette Issue 36903 page 518: preamble to list of names states "For outstanding service while operating with the Allied Armies in Italy: ... Marine Sidney George Riggs, Ply.X.110085, R.M. (Plymouth)."

Able Seaman John Henry Riggs
MENTION IN DESPATCHES announced 1941JLY1 and published in London Gazette Issue 36551 page 2705: preamble to list of two names states "For bravery in rescuing survivors from a torpedoed ship in Arctic waters: ... Able Seaman John Henry Riggs, P/SSX.18736."