Oh dear, another one of the great Green Jacket characters lost forever. I can still picture his face at the reunions all jolly and inebriated. Go son and re-org with the others, we shall see you again soon.
My younger brother, Steve ("Horace"), died some time during the night of 23rd/ 24th June; he was in bed, lying on his side; no signs of any distress. It seems likely, therefore, that he passed away quietly in his sleep. An autopsy was performed Tuesday 25th June, and we await the official findings - likely to be released by Friday. As yet, there are no firm conclusions re cause of death, but the Police were happy there was nothing suspicious about it.
As already indicated, Steve's funeral is sheduled for 8th July, 11am @ York Crem.
When I last talked to Steve about the Army, he described the RGJ (and especially his beloved 3RGJ) as "the best regiment in the best army on the face of the Earth", and I know he never regretted a minute of the 24 years he spent in the Army. He often talked about you all - I recognise many of the names here - and I, and his family, are very touched by your comments, as he would have been. Thank you.
Sad to hear and read about Horaces death. He was as strong as an OX and yet very pleasant and great fun to work alongside with, a very sociable and loveable chosen man . He loved Anti Tanking and the, impact cut , chosen men who served with him will indeed remember him with a smile on our faces. We will have plenty fun and good memories of this full on "black mafia" 3 RGJ man. God bless this chosen man and may he Rest in peace, and that we never forget Horace from our minds. Wank Durch bloke. sincere condolences to Horace's loved ones at this sad time.................
Horace blissfully sailed through army life completely unaware of how well he was loved and respected in the Bn. What you saw was what you got with no pretence. He was tremendously loyal to his friends, always infuriatingly good humoured and the personality that you could never get mad at even with all the mad things he would do. Our condolences to his first family please be assured he will always be part of ours. From the Facebook buzz I can see this years reunion will be a riot as the lads swap their stories of him. A pleasure to have know you Horace sleep well Mate you have earned it.
so sad to hear another good guy has passed never heard him say a bad word about anyone true 3RGJ man and as that has been said before stong as an ox condolences to his family sleep tight Horace
Heard the sad news about Horace, deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, I have just spent 5 minutes thinking about, and subsequently smiling at some of the times we shared in 2RGJ A'TKs from 94-99.
sad news , we all saw him in winchester last year , 3 RGJ in his blood . the RP staff can relax at last , knowing horace he will even cause a stink in the last RV . R.I.P. horace higson.
I will always remember the friendship you extended to me when I joined the pltn. We shared plenty of coffee, plenty of beer and many, many full blooded laughs. You were the sort of friend who would rather see themself go short than see a friend in need, you were always jovil (I never remember seeing you down or upset) and a guaranteed moral booster. You were loyal. reliable and a big, strong man with a marshmallow core.
When we lived in the MILAN accomodation in Celle, every single evening, without fail, we were forced to listen to 'The Eurythmics' (Here comes the rain) on a constant loop blaring from your record player, it is among the many memories I shall carry for the rest of my days!
You will be sadly missed and are now ingrained into the heritage of the regiment that you so dearly loved, you were truly a legend who will never die.
Today heard the sad news that Horace Higson - 3 RGJ/2 RGJ passed away yesterday - waiting for further details
Think Horace joined right at the end of Oakington and was in B Coy 3 RGJ before spending most of Celle in the Anti Tanks
What a blow to the system to hear of Horace death he was a true black Mafia hero. The Last time I saw him was in Gib in R Coy lines as I was leaving the Regt. He is a true chosen Man RIP my friend
So sad to hear the news of "Horaces" passing . He was a 3 RGJ/2RGJ treasure . He was always up for a laugh , always had a daft grin on his face and there wasnt a man in Bn who didnt know him . He was Horace to one and all , the RSM ,the CO ,and all the officers .Horace , one of the funniest , craziest , nicest guys i ever had the privilige to meet and know , Stand easy my friend
Hog, always in my thoughts. True friend, great soldier. As true a Chosen Man as you will ever find. Strong as an Ox but with a heart so kind. Will always remember you my friend. RIP mate. Your duty is done!!!!!
Such sad news. Saw Horace a couple of years ago at the Sunderland Remembrance get together. Still had that huge grin on his face. Goodnight and God Bless Horace.
His admin not the best but his heart made of gold Everyone who met him was a friend new or old All the 3rd battalion new Horrace due to the fact that he met most while on the piss But a fight in a war zone or pub brawl he was never slack We all knew Horace because he would always have your back God bless you Brother Rifleman sleep well i will meet you in the FRV Swift and Bold
Just heard the sad news, one of the nicest blokes I ever met. Steve and I were Cpls together in R coy loads of good times soldiering , on the beer and on the rugby pitch. Our best trick when on the beer was head wrestling. I shall always remember you mate, thanks for the priviledge.
I remember when Horace joined B Company towards the end of Oakington and like me, everyone else thought; "Who the F*** is this GIANT with such a big heart joining us"?
However, out on the town in Oakington, Cambridge; "He had my back"; "During his time in B Company Celle West Germany when others dropped me like a hot potatoe; "He had my back", Northern Ireland; "He had my back." Back to Celle West Germany, Horace had the backs of Joe "Joey", Kenny Kay, Nick Wattie Watson, Rossy, Dutch Anti-Tank Holland, to name but a few.
"He Had Our Backs"!
Horace is and always will be "One Of A Kind Who Never Left A Man Behind" To his parents and family; "Thank you for the privilidge of meeting and serving with such a wonderful human being with such a true, big, generous heart.