Three: Private R. H. Higgin, Westmorland and Cumberland Yeomanry, later Queen's Own Worcestershire Hussars

1914-15 Star (1880 Pte. R. H. Higgin. West. & Cumb. Y.); British War and Victory Medals (1880 Pte. R. H. Higgin. West. & Cumb. Y.) nearly extremely fine (3) £140-£180

Robert Henry Higgin was born in the Parish of Urswick, near Ulverston, Lancashire, on 14 March 1891, and attested at Ulverston for the Westmorland and Cumberland Yeomanry on 23 February 1911 for a term of 4 years. Recorded as living with his parents at 6, Benson Street, Ulverston, Higgin joined the Regiment at annual training at Farleton (1911), Lowther Park (1912) and Blenern (1913). Embodied as Private at the outbreak of the Great War, his Army Service papers note initial rejection from foreign service on account of a defection to his teeth. This was rectified in February 1915 following the supply of dentures.

Joining the British Expeditionary Force in France from 27 July 1915, Higgin was present on the Western Front during the Battle of Loos when fresh troops of territorials, reservists and volunteers from Kitchener's New Army suffered over 50,000 casualties, including 2,600 from a failed gas attack when the poison blew back into the British lines. Admitted to No. 5 General Base Depot at Rouen 9 February 1916, Higgin proceeded to England for discharge on 15 February 1916 under completion of his term of engagement. Transferred to the Worcestershire Hussars, he was rejected three times as unfit for further overseas service and died at Ulverston in 1959.