Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Major G. F. Higgins, 17th (‘Pals’) Battalion, Liverpool Regiment, one of the founder members of the battalion, who was killed in action at Trones Wood on 10 July 1916 during the Battle of The Somme

1914-15 Star (Major, L’pool. R.); British War and Victory Medals (Major) contained in a fine quality contemporary mahogany glazed display frame, with ivorine label, inscribed ‘Major George F. Higgins, 17th Battn., King’s Liverpool Regt., fell in the Battle of the Somme, July 10th 1916’; together with memorial plaque (George Frederick Higgins) this mounted in an attractive oak surround, generally nearly extremely fine (4) £600-800

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals to the Liverpool Regiment from the Collection of Hal Giblin.

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The following is extracted from The Roll of Honour: ‘Major George Frederick Higgins was the son of Frederick C. Higgins, Esq. and of Mrs Higgins of Rock Ferry, Cheshire. He was born at Rock Ferry on January 29th 1880, and was educated at Warwick School.

He possessed exceptional business capacity and reached when still a young man the responsible and important position of Secretary of the Liverpool Cotton Association. He joined with his keen commercial ability and powers of organisation a healthy love of bodily activity. He had been a member of his School Cadet Corps, and he served in the ranks of the 2nd Volunteer Battalion, King’s Liverpool Regiment. He was Captain of the Mersey Rowing Club, and a very active member of the Birkenhead Park Football Club, and the Royal Liverpool Golf Club.

His loss is very deeply regretted by the Liverpool Cotton Association, the Directors of which passed the following resolution to record their sorrow at his death. “His work on behalf of the members was untiring, his kindly manner and cheerful disposition endearing him to all.” Major Higgins was among the first to join the new army formed in 1914 to meet the sudden and urgent necessity. He was gazetted Captain from September 1st, 1914, and Major from August 4th, 1915, 17th King’s Liverpool Regiment.

Lord Derby telegraphed to the President of the Liverpool Cotton Exchange: “It is with sincere regret that I have heard of the death of Major Higgins. I know what a loss he will be to you, and I should like to put on record my great appreciation of the valuable service he rendered while raising the City of Liverpool Battalion. I saw my brother, who commands a Brigade in France, and he feels his death most deeply. His loss is irreparable.”

The Secretary of the Association received from Brigadier-General F. C. Stanley (Commanding 89th Infantry Brigade) a very appreciative letter speaking in highest terms of Major Higgins: “... His death has been a great loss to his Brigade, and we all of us feel it most keenly. He was a splendid man, a most devoted friend of the City Battalions, and beloved by all. He was one of the prime movers in forming the City Battalions, and his energy and keenness were an example to all. The 17th Battalion K.L.R. have lost one of their finest officers, and I have lost one of my best friends.”

... A few lines from a letter written by a Private in ‘A’ Company 17th K.L.R. shows how Major Higgins was regarded by his men: “Our company made an attack on a wood which had been taken and lost twice before. Well, we climbed out of the trenches, and were met by heavy shell fire. How we got through was marvellous. The boys were splendid, they just walked on as if nothing was happening, with Major Higgins leading the way. We eventually reached the wood, and were met here by machine-guns and snipers perched up in the trees. It was here that Major Higgins was killed, leading his company like the brave man he was.”