South Yorkshire Times June 21, 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 St, Mexborough, formerly of Tickhill St, 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 Mr. Higgins in the New Year’s Honours last January for operational minesweeping since the end of the war, and the other the Distinguished Service Medal, with ribbons, awarded 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 it is best wishes for the future happiness.

On December 11, 1945, Mr Higgins, who served in the Navy nearly 5 and half years in the minesweeping branch, for some period in Mediterranean and near Eastern waters, was Mentioned in Dispatches.

Before joining the Senior Service, he served at Mexborough Fire Station and is now employed at the GEC Swinton works.

He is 29, unmarried, and an old boy of St Albans Catholic school Denaby