Name
Edward Lawrence Higgins (DSO, MC)
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Major
Lancashire Fusiliers
1st Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
Not Yet Researched
DSO, MC
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Biography
Edward Higgins was born in the Summer of 1892 at Willesden. He was one of three children (one son and two daughters) born to Samuel and Elizabeth Higgins. At the time of the 1891 Census the family lived at 13 Church Road, Willesden, but by 1901 had moved to Brighton Road, Reigate. In the 1911 Census they had moved again, and lived at “Ryber”, Abbots Road, Abbots Langley. Throughout this time Samuel worked as an Underwriter of Marine Insurance. In 1911 Edward worked as a Volunteer in a Merchant’s Office (learning the business).
Edward was recorded for the first time in the Abbots Langley Parish Magazine Roll of Honour in September 1914, serving with the 1st Battalion of the City of London Regiment. On 9th October 1915 the Hertfordshire Advertiser reported that
“Lt LH Higgins (1st City of London) wounded and at home recuperating. His wounds are not of a serious nature”
The wounding was recorded in the Abbots Langley Parish Magazine in November 1915. In July 1916 the Parish Magazine noted that Edward had been awarded the Military Cross in the Birthday Honours List. At the time it was noted that his father, Mr S.E Higgins, was Chairman of Abbots Langley Parish Council.
Edward was reported wounded again in the September 1916 Parish Magazine. At some point in 1917 he transferred to the Lancashire Fusiliers and was promoted to the rank of Captain. On 20th April 1918 the Hertfordshire Advertiser reported that Edward had been wounded for the fourth time.
The June 1918 Parish Magazine noted that
“Capt E.L Higgins MC was mentioned in dispatches in Sir Douglas Haig's dispatch of April 7th. We also offer our sincerest congratulations to Capt Lawrence Higgins MC, upon the well-deserved honour of the DSO which has been conferred upon him, and assure him that we all feel proud of his courage and bravery and fearlessness”.
The Hertfordshire Advertiser reported on 8th June 1918 that
“The Village of Abbots Langley is rightly proud of the distinction conferred upon Capt E.L Higgins MC mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig’s dispatch”
Edward Higgins was recorded in the Absent Voter Records for Autumn 1918 and Spring 1919 serving as a Major with the 1st Battalion of the London Regiment.
Edward Higgins survived the War.
Additional Information
Formerly 1st Battalion City of London Regiment
Acknowledgments
Roger Yapp - www.backtothefront.org
