George Higginson
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Sir George Wentworth Alexander Higginson (June 21, 1826 - February 1, 1927) was a British general and Crimean War hero who served more than 30 years in the Grenadiers.
Born in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, Britain, he spent his childhood in West London, which at the time was still a series of villages and fields. He was educated at Eton College. As a young Grenadier he fought throughout the Crimean War and was twice promoted for services in the field. During his career he travelled extensively on military affairs to Ireland, Canada, France, Italy and Russia. He also spent time in the United States during the Civil War.
In 1882, "The General" was ordered in 1882 to assist in the (now defunct) Royal Tournament. His promotion to general followed his appointment to the command of the Brigade of Guards. Higginson also served as Lieutenant Governor of the Tower of London from 1888 to 1893. He authored his autobiography in 1916, entitled 71 Years of a Guardsman's Life.
Higginson was knighted some time in the early 1900s, and his 100th birthday was celebrated with great splendor in his native Marlow. He was also a close personal friend of the Royal Family.
Following his death the inhabitants of Marlow organised a public collection and with its proceeds purchased Higginson Park alongside the River Thames as a memorial to their town's famous son.
Web Links
- A picture of Higginson and further backround information (http://www.worcestershireregiment.com/wr.php?main=inc/c_higginson)