Navy veteran who survived shark-filled waters dies at age of 100
TRIBUTES have been paid to Royal Navy veteran Isaac Higginson who has passed away at the age of 100.
The Ballyclare World War Two hero served as president of the Royal British Legion in the town and had received the Arctic Star medal in 2013 for his involvement in the Arctic Convoys during the 1939-45 war.
Ballyclare Royal British Legion said: “It is with great sadness today that we learn of the death of our president, Mr Isaac Higginson.
“Isaac celebrated his 100th birthday in Ballyclare Royal British Legion on March 26 this year with his family and many friends.
“Isaac’s funeral is on Friday, November 16 at Fleming Cuthbert funeral parlour at 10.30am then to Ballyclare Cemetery.
“Deeply regretted by the officers, committee, staff and members of the branch and the club. Precious memories.”
Isaac signed up to the Royal Navy during peacetime in 1934.
He was a member of the Royal Naval Band prior to war breaking out and served on HMS Valiant before boarding RMS Laconia for his scheduled leave.
He was on the Laconia when it was torpedoed and sunk by the Germans on September 12, 1942.
He then spent 16 hours in shark-infested waters before being rescued by the very same Germans who sunk his ship.
Speaking in 2014, Mr Higginson said: “I started off on HMS Valiant as a gunner and I was serving on the same ship as the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip.
“It all means a lot to me. I have a lot of memories. They keep me going, and say ‘Come on Isaac, you will hit 100 yet and get a telegram from the Queen’. “I say just one day at a time.” Mr Higginson was the beloved husband of the late Isabella, much-loved father of Sandra, John, Noel, Brian, Margaret, Marbeth, Alan and Robin, and a devoted father-in-law, grandfather and great-grandfather.