Warrant Officer Henry Higgins served in Ulster with No. 968 Barrage Balloon Squadron during the Second World War, living in Bangor, Co. Down at the time.
Warrant Officer
513948
Warrant Officer Henry Higgins (513948) served in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. Born to Irish parents in the east end of London, he was the husband of Teresa Higgins (née Bradley) who lived at 6 Sheridan Drive, Bangor, Co. Down during the conflict.
In civilian life, Henry worked as a shop assistant with the British Show Company at 133-135 High Street, Balham, London, England from March 1927 to March 1931. On 13th March 1931, Henry enlisted in the Royal Air Force going on to serve nine years plus a three year extension. For the first eight years, Henry was an Aircrafthand performing general duties.
His career began with a training squadron in 1931 before departing for R.A.F. 23 Squadron at R.A.F. Kenley, Surrey, England. At that time, the Kenley Airfield was undergoing transformation to make it suitable for modern fighters. New runways, perimeter tracks, hangars, and increased storage for fuel, oil, and munitions greatly improved the aerodrome. Henry moved from squadron to squadron and travelled the world including postings in Sudan and Palestine.
On 5th January 1939, Henry Higgins joined No. 1 Balloon Training Unit at R.A.F. Cardington, Bedfordshire, England. From there, as a Sergeant Balloon Operator, he joined No. 912 Barrage Balloon Squadron, R.A.F. serving in Boulogne-sue-Mer, Hauts-de-France, Pas-de-Calais, France. In 1940, as a Flight Sergeant Balloon Operator, he made it our of France having sustained injuries during the Siege of Calais. Following his return from France, Henry spent time in hospital at Innsworth, Gloucestershire, England between 29th June 1940 and 12th July 1940. By 14th August 1940, he was posted to No. 935 Balloon Squadron and then on to No. 965 Balloon Squadron on 18th October 1940.
Between 27th January 1941 and November 1942, Henry served with No. 968 Balloon Squadron in Northern Ireland. The squadron was responsible for setting up and maintaining barrage balloons around Belfast Lough and coincided with the Belfast Blitz of April and May 1941. This posting was one of Higgins’ longest during the conflict and he set up home with his wife in Bangor, Co. Down.
Following his time in Northern Ireland, Higgins continued to served as a Barrage Balloon Operator until 1949. He remained in service with the Royal Air Force until 1967 serving in a number of roles.
Thanks to Martin Hurcombe for sharing his family story.
