Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Pilot Officer

Unit:

No. 419 (Moose) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force

Awarded on:

August 21st, 1942

"One night in July, 1942, this officer was captain of an aircraft which attacked Dusseldorf. When approaching the target area, one engine of his aircraft failed and caught fire. Despite this, Pilot Officer Higham resolutely flew on and successfully bombed the target in the face of considerable opposition from the ground defences. On the return flight, the aircraft began to lose height until Pilot Officer Higham ordered certain equipment to be jettisoned. He was thus able to maintain height at some 2,000 feet, and eventually succeeded in flying the damaged aircraft back to a base in this country where he made a skilful landing. Throughout, this officer displayed great determination and devotion to duty."