Regimental number: 931742. Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 4329 – 40, Item: 469846, PDF: B4329 – SO40. Date of Birth: 2/04/1891 at Dresden, ON. the son of John Higdon, 1557 Indiana Ave., Toledo, Ohio, USA. (mother unknown). The husband of Pearl Higdon and father of twin girls Mildred and Melva. Occupation – Bandsman.

Attestation: 13/07/1917 at Chatham, ON. Age 25 years 9 months. Height :5’ 7”, Complexion: Medium, Eyes: Brown, Hair: Brown. Small scar right breast. Blind in right eye. “Damage to right eye was injured accidentaly six years ago after being hit in the right eyeball with a piece of steel. Has never been to see with it.” His attestation form carries the following: “If sight of the sound eye is lost, is entitled to a class 3 pension only ($208) per annum”.    

He was well tattooed Right arm: Crossed Heart, Butterfly, US Flag, Battleship. Left arm: Dagger, Frog, Horseshoe, Anchor, Bulldog. 

Medical completed 13/07/17 at Chatham, ON. Considered “Fit”. To No.2 Construction Battalion 

Departed Halifax NS. aboard the S.S. Southland 25/03/17. Arrived at Liverpool, England 7/045/17 and Went overseas to France 14/06/17.

It should be noted that Mrs. Pearl Higdon moved from Dresden to: 539 East Stauring St. East, Columbus, Ohio, USA. She was receiving an assigned Pay of $15.00/Mth. And a Separation Allowance of $20.00 /Mth. The last address to be found was 418 East Noble St., Columbus, Ohio. This was dated 16/06/1922.

Sickness would trouble William while on overseas service:-

21/02/17 Admitted to the Truo General Hospital for Bronchitis discharged 27/02/17 

8/08/17 10 days for Influenza.

19/04/18 – Jura la Joux Hospital admitted for influenza 3/11/18 discharged 26/11/18.

21/05/19 at #9 Cdn. General Hospital – Kinmel Park  for influenza discharged 11/06/1919.

William also had a problem with insubordination from his arrival in France to his discharge:

18/07/17 – 7 days FP. (Field Punishment) and forfeit one days pay for AWOL (Absent Without Leave) 

15/02/19 Insubordinate language – sentence 45 days at Rhyl.

10/03/19 Insubordinate language – Kenmel Park, North Wales – “F**k You” 45 days detention.

31/03/19 – Insubordination – 45 days detention.

19/05/19 – Masquerading as an officer – 40 days detention 

Embarked aboard the S. S. Regina from Liverpool, England 15/07/1919

William returned to Canada 26/07/1919 at No. 1 District Depot – London ON. for discharge from the Army 

Date of Death unknown.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Sources

LAC

Height	5' 7"
Eye Colour	Brown
Age	25 years 9 months
Complexion	Medium
Hair	Brown
Birthplace	Dresden
Marital Status	Married - Pearl Higdon

---

Notice something wrong with this record? Or, do you have something to add? Report it using our online form.