Private Joseph Higgins

Private Joseph Higgins, son of Patrick and Anne Higgins, originally enlisted with the 1st Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders before volunteering to join the new Airborne Forces as part of 6 Platoon, S Coy, 1st Parachute Battalion. He took part in the North African campaign, during Op Torch.

Shortly after parachuting into Tunisia at Souk-el-Arba, officers of the 1st Parachute Battalion were informed them that an Italian Force comprising 300 men and about 20 tanks, harboured each night about nine miles away from Sidi Nasis towards Mateur. The Battalion’s CO, Lt Col James Hill decided to launch a Battalion attack (less R Coy which was engaged in fighting at Oued Zarga) on the Italian position that night; zero hour was set for 03:00 hours on 25 November. This attack later became known as the Battle of Gue Hill.

Private Higgins died during the Battle on 24 November 1942, aged 23 years old. He is now commemorated on the Memorial at Medjez-el-Bab War Cemetery, Tunisia.

Profile photo courtesy of CWGC