Born in 1896 at Stroud, William was the third of four children to Thomas and Sarah (nee Crick) Higgins. Working as a grazier, William was presumably on the family farm ‘Heatherdale’.
William enlisted with the 30th Battalion Transport Section at Newcastle on the 2nd of August 1915. Giving his father at Barrington as next of kin. He was just 18 years and 6 months at the time of enlistment.
Formed in Australia in early August 1915, as part of the 8th Brigade, the 30th Battalion concentrated at Liverpool, NSW and drew most of its personnel from various parts of New South Wales, with a large contingent coming from Newcastle.
Embarking at Sydney aboard ‘HMAT A13 Katuna’ on the 9th of November, the battalion arrived at Suez on the 16th of December 1915. Upon arrival in Egypt, the 8th Brigade had been unattached at divisional level, but in early 1916, it was assigned to the 5th Division, after a reorganisation that saw the AIF expanded from two infantry divisions to five. They remained in Egypt until 16th of June when the 30th Battalion boarded the ‘HMAT A20 Hororata’ at Alexandria to arrive at Marseilles on the 23rd of June. Whilst in Egypt however, William reverted from Driver to Private at own request on the 8th of May at Ferry Post.
The battalion’s first major action came at Fromelles on the 19th of July 1916 where they were initially tasked to provide a supporting role, carrying ammunition to the assault troops, but they were later committed to the fighting as the situation deteriorated for the Australians. It was during the Battle of Fromelles that William was reported missing on the 20th of July 1916. His father was notified and William’s personal effects, a Testament and a silk handkerchief were returned to the family.
Correspondence in early 1917 requesting information regarding William circumstances was sent by the family and the reply stated there was no additional information. It was on the 13th of March 1917 his records show that his identification disc was received from Germany with the annotation he was deceased and may now be reported that he was “Killed in Action” on the 20th of July 1916.
Awards: 1914/15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal.
Cemetery: Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery Fromelles, Grave I.D. 3 Inscription: ‘Dearly loved son of Thomas and Sarah Higgins “Heatherdale” Gloucester. At rest far from home.’.
Memorials: Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour;
Gloucester Memorial Clock Tower.
“Lest We Forget”
Portrait- Geoffrey Gillon (VWMA)