W H Higgins (1895 – 1918)

Walter Henry Higgins was baptised at St Leonard’s, Bridgnorth on 8th September, 1895, the son of Thomas and Elizabeth. He was the older brother of the Thomas Higgins who died at the Battle of Langemarck in August, 1917.

Walter worked as a carter for a builder. He volunteered in January 1915 and served as a driver in the Army Service Corps. He was sent home in 1917 and spent several months in hospital suffering from a dental abscess. On his return to duty in August 1917, he was transferred to the 8th Battalion, Border Regiment. He continued to suffer dental problems and spent several periods in hospitals in France.

Walter was posted missing on 10th April, 1918 during the Battle of Messines, 1918. He is commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial. His service record includes a letter from his father, dated 23rd April, 1919, asking for news of his son.

Private Higgins, 34461 (formerly 040251 RASC), was awarded the Victory and British Medals and the 1915 Star. His name was included in a list of men missing in action printed in the Bridgnorth Journal on 6th July and 19th October, 1918.

BRIDGNORTH MEN PRISONERS OF WAR OR MISSING
[Bridgnorth Journal, Saturday 6th July, 1918]
Missing [includes] Higgins, 34461 Pte Walter (Bob), 8th Border Regt., was posted missing 10th April, 1918. He enlisted in 1914 as Ambulance Transport Driver. After being wounded he was transferred to 6th K.S.L.I. After being wounded again he was transferred 8th Border Regt.