South Yorkshire Times – Saturday 21 June 1947
King’s Message to Mexborough Ex-Sailor
Demobilised from the Royal Navy 18 months ago with the rank of coxswain, Mr. Charles Higgins of 8, Argyle Street, Mexborough formerly of Tickhill Street, Denaby, received a parcel on Monday.
It contained two Jewellery boxes and a message, signed by the King from Buckingham Palace. One box contained the British Empire Medal (Military Division), with ribbons, awarded to Mr. Higgins in the New Year’s honours of 1946 for gallantry in the face of the enemy and for setting an example of wholehearted devotion to duty which upheld the high traditions of the Royal Navy.
The King, In his message, told Mr. Higgins that he greatly regretted that he was unable to give him personally the awards which he had so well earned, but he sent them to him with his best wishes for his future happiness.
On_ December 11th, 1945, Mr. Higgins, who served In the Navy nearly 5 ½ years in the minesweeping branch, for some period in Mediterranean and Near Eastern waters, was Mentioned in Despatches.
Before joining the Senior Service, he served at Mexborough Fire Station and is now employed at the G.E.C. Swinton works. He Is 29, unmarried, and an old boy of St. Alban’s Catholic School, Denaby.