A MAN killed during the American Civil War has been honoured at a graveside ceremony in Huddersfield.

Members of the General Staff of the Blues and Greys, an American Civil War society based in Britain, dressed in period costume to commemorate George Brigg's sacrifice and re-dedicate the grave at Almondbury cemetery on Saturday.

George's brother was a one-time Mayor of Huddersfield, John Fligg Brigg, who lived at Greenhead Hall. John died some years after his brother, at the age of 76.

He is buried in an impressive grave, while an inscription details the death of George, following his involvement in battles around North Carolina.

He had travelled to the USA in 1862 at the age of 40. He joined the Army of the Union in 1860 as a member of the Cheshire Volunteers.

Tens of thousands of British men sailed across the Atlantic to fight for the abolition of slavery - as well as taking part in a more cynical land grab.

George fought with the 23rd Massachusetts Infantry Regiment and was taken prisoner by Confederate forces in December, 1862, during skirmishes around a bridge at Goldsborough.

Although his side won those actions, George died in a prisoner of war camp.

Carol Swallow, of Dewsbury, a member of the Blues and Greys, said solemn graveside re-dedications were an important way of recognising the men's sacrifice. About 20 society members from all over the country came to Almondbury.

She added: "It's to keep the people's names alive, as 200,000 British men fought in the American Civil War," said Mrs Swallow.

As well as honouring the memory of the casualties and restoring ill-kept graves, society members take part in period re-enactments.

On Saturday, a brass emblem of the General Order of the Republic was laid as a lone bugler played.

Such ceremonies are generally held about three times a year.

Recent re-dedications took place in Blackpool, Bradford and Rugby.

"His family would have been very well off, his grave is a great big marble obelisk," said Mrs Swallow.

"We are still finding these graves all the time. People stumble across them."

Samuel Quinn, of Almondbury, noticed the unusual inscription while strolling through the graveyard.

Among those who attended the ceremony was his great niece Muriel David, who lives in Burley-in-Wharfedale, near Otley.