Hubert Frank Higgins


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Hubert Frank Higgins
Margaret Robinson’s father

letter1Hubert Frank Higgins enlisted in the army in 1915 when he was 17 years old. In 1918 he was captured by the Germans and interned in a prisoner of war camp. A letter that Hubert wrote to his parents survives and provides a fascinating insight into the preoccupations of a young lad deprived of his liberty:

 

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Munster i. W., den 19th May 1918

Dear Mother & Father
Just a few lines to let you know I am still keeping well, hoping this will find all at home the same. I suppose by this time you will have received one or two of my letters so will know how things are going with me & what sort of a time I’m having …………… The only thing I am hard up for now is a good suit but the regiment will no doubt send them through in time so I shall only have to trouble you for socks, hair brush, & comb & anything else in the sweets and chocolate line you like to send……… There’s not much more to tell you now except that like yourselves I am looking forward to the time when I am taking a stroll down the road again. Best wishes & love to all at home.

After the war Hubert followed his father into the Leicester printing trade, he married in 1922, aged 23. In the 1950’s, together with his partner Mr Leslie savage, Hubert founded the Norwood Press. He died in 1964.

Hubert (on the left) with his brother Frank

Hubert (on the left) with his brother Frank

This picture is of Hubert (on the left) with his brother Frank. Frank died on 14th December 1917 and is buried in the Happy Valley British Cemetery, Fompaux, France.

The original exhibition display: Hubert Frank Higgins