Private Maurice John Higgins

Private, 1st Battalion, Infantry (Army).

When on active service, deserting his Majesty's service. Left platoon without orders on the way to trenches during fighting on the Somme. Absent 16 days. Executed by firing squad December 7, 1916.

Son of David and Emma Higgins of 24 Gwynne Avenue, Toronto, Canada.

"Those who go to war at the request of their nation do not know the fate that lies in store for them. This was a war of such overwhelming sound, fury and unrelenting horror that few combatants could remain unaffected," said Minister Duhamel. "While we cannot relive those awful years of a nation at peril in total war, and although the culture of that time is subsequently too distant for us to comprehend fully, we can give these 23 soldiers a dignity that is their due, and provide closure to their families." (The Honourable Ron J. Duhamel, Minister of Veterans Affairs 11 December 2001)

The Government of Canada has offered an apology and formally announced its regret for this situation. On December 11, 2001, Veteran Affairs Minister, Dr. Ron Duhamel rose in the House of Commons and with sincerity and passion, read the names of those 23 Canadians into the Parliamentary record and announced their names will be written into Parliament Hill's Book of Remembrance. He was whole-heartedly supported by all of Canada's opposition Parties.

Circumstances of Death

A.B. Godefroy For Freedom And Honour?