Henry Robert Higgins was born in Church Road Thame to Robert and Anne Higgins (nee Turner).  His father Robert was injured in an accident and died in 1895. By 1901 the family had moved to 5 Southern Road, Thame.

In 1911 Henry had left home and is recorded as working as a boiler-man at Aylesbury workhouse.  A year later he married Elizabeth E Chappell in Aylesbury, but they do not appear to have any children.

At the outbreak of war, Henry was 32 years old and volunteered to serve with the Norfolk Regiment.  He joined the 3rd training Battalion which had been formed in August 1914 and was based at Felixstowe.

He is recorded as a Lance Corporal at his death but that may only have been a temporary promotion. Henry was taken ill and died at Felixstowe Cliff Military Hospital on 28th January 1915, age 34.

Private Henry Robert Higgins was buried in St Mary’s churchyard Thame on 1st February 1915 and is remembered in Thame on the war memorial and All Saints church honour board.