| Higginson | Cecil Pickford | | Captain | HIGGINSON, CECIL PICKFORD, Captain, was born 8 April 1866, son of James Pickford Higginson, of Fir Vale, Wavertree, near Liverpool; was educated at Repton, and was a Graduate of the Staff College. He joined the Shropshire Light Infantry 10 November 1886; became Captain 27 November 1895; was Adjutant, Shropshire Light Infantry, 19 September 1897 to 21 January 1901; was promoted to Major 2 August 1897. Major Higginson served in the South African War, as Brigade Major 22 January 1901 to 31 May 1901, and as DAAG, 1 June 1901 to 10 July 1901 (slightly wounded). He was present during operations in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900, including operations at Paardeberg (17 to 26 February 1900); during actions at Poplar Grove, Driefontein, Houttiek (Thoba Mountain), Vet River (5 and 6 May) and Zand River; during operations in the Transvaal in May and June 1900, including actions near Johannesburg and Pretoria; in the operations in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, July to 29 November; during operations in the Transvaal, west of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900, including actions at Elands River (4 to 16 August); also during operations in Orange River Colony, May to 29 November 1900, including action at Rhenoster River; during operations in Cape Colony, south of Orange River, 1899-1900. He took part in the operations in the Transvaal 30 November 1900 to 31 May 1902. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 8 February 1901 and 29 July 1902], received the Queen's Medal with four clasps, the King's Medal with two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 14 April, 1901]: "Cecil Pickford Higginson, Captain, Shropshire Light Infantry. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". (Insignia presented by the Duke of Cornwall and York 14 August 1901.) He was placed on the list of officers considered qualified for Staff employment in consequence of service on the Staff in the Field. He was employed with the Rand Rifles from 1 April 1902 to 9February 1903; was Brigade Major, 2nd Brigade, 1st Army Corps, Aldershot, 10 February 1903 to 21 January 1906; DAAG and QMG, China, 9 February 1909 to 3 April 1913; was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel 19 August 1913. He served in the European War, as Lieutenant Colonel Commanding the 1st, Battalion King's Shropshire Light Infantry, from 1914; became GSO, 2nd Grade, 3 June 1915 to 2 September 1915 and GSO, 1st Grade, 3 September 1915; was wounded, mentioned in Despatches, and created a CMG, 1915. He married, in 1904, Maud, second daughter of Lieutenant Colonel Goslin, of Rathvilly, County Carlow, and they had two sons and one daughter.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | (King's) Shropshire Light Infantry |
