The information used in writing this account of Bryan's life was collected from the following sources:
Bryan was born on 1st January 1895. His father, John Bolton Bigg, was a stockbroker's clerk who lived in Selborne Road, Southgate, London. He and his wife Eleanor Eliza, usually called Lil, were musicians - violinist and pianist respectively.
He was a churchwarden at Southgate church, to which they both belonged. Bryan took after his parents in being a musician (pianist and organist), as well as a church member. He was also a keen gardener, and enjoyed card games.
In his diaries, special prayers have been cut out and glued in; and there are cut flowers, which have been carefully pressed. In addition, there is a Progressive Whist Score Card.
Bryan was the eldest of three sons. He had no sisters. His younger brother was named Frank, and the youngest Philip. The family were really united, and the sons frequently visited and stayed with their parents. The family unity continued after the sons had married, and included the wives and grand-children. The unity was helped by the sons all living in the London area. Lil employed a maid called Jenny.
| 1902 | Bryan and his brother Frank went to the new Council School in Northwold Road |
| 1905 | Bryan and Frank moved to a fee-paying school - The Grocer's School, Hackney Downs |
| 1911 |
Bryan matriculated at London University. He took the Civil Service Boy Clerk's exam, came sixth, and was called up to the Admiralty. |
| 1913 |
On 26th April he went with his father by boat from London to Greenock and back, calling at Southampton, Plymouth, and Waterford |
| 1914 |
On 31st July he was called up as second division clerk at Admiralty. On 4th August war was declared. Bryan wished to join up on 3rd September, but the Admiralty would not allow him. |