The son of Mr. and Mrs. Chester Higgins of 109 St. George St., Chatham, ON. Prior to his enlistment he was employed at the International Harvester  Co. for five years.

Served from February 2nd, 1934 to July 25th, 1940 with the Kent Regiment Machine Guns.

Harold enlisted in Chatham with the First Kent Regt. in 1940 and trained with them throughout Canada. He volunteered for overseas duty in 1941, his brothers  Charles and Gerald were also in the Army.

In June of 1942 Harold was stationed  at New Westminister, BC. CDN 15/06/42.

In November 1942 Pte. Higgins was reported arriving safely overseas then serving with the Essex Scottish Regt. stationed in England. CDN 7/11/42  

The WN 11/11/43 reported that Mrs. Harold Higgins (wife the former Miss Alice Magee of Wallaceburg) had been informed that Cpl. Higgins was WIA while serving in Italy.

It was reported in the CDN 28/02/44 that Pte Harold W. Higgins was one of four Kent County men in in 26 from “Western Ontario who arrived home on the week-end after being invalided home.”  An article in the CDN 2/03/44 gave some insight into how this soldier came to be invalided home in March of 1944. He was met in London by his wife after being transported aboard the Canadian Hospital Ship “Ladt Nelson”. The couple made the trip from London to Chatham by bus. Sgt. Higgins was on a thirty day-sick leave after which he will return to the London Military Hospital.

Served in Canada two years. Transferred to the Essex Scottish Regiment  and went overseas. Served in England, Sicily and Italy. Was wounded in Italy at Mattoagavnis by mortar  shell landing near. Promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

In June of 1942 Harold was stationed  at New Westminister, BC. CDN 15/06/42. 

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Sources

CDN (15/06/42(P).)

Birthplace	Thamesville, Ontario
Religion	Baptist
Marital Status	Married
When Enlisted	July 26th, 1940
Next of Kin	Wife- Mrs. Alice Higgins

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