John Derrick Hignett

John Derrick Hignett was born at Holly Bush Hall, Newborough on 8 Aug 1900. He was educated at Eton, and after RMA Sandhurst was commissioned into the 10th Hussars in 1920. He was appointed adjutant from 1927 to 1929 in which year he was promoted to captain. He was seconded to the Leicestrshire Yeomanry as adjutant on 21 Dec 1932 but returned to the 10th Hussars for service with them in Egypt and India between 1933 and 1936. He was also an instructor at the Equitation School at Weedon and served as equerry to the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII). On 5 Sep 1940 he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel and was given command of the 10th Hussars while they fought in France. This term of office ended in June 1941 and on 31 October he assumed command of GHQ Liaison Regiment. This was the top secret communication and intelligence unit also known as the Phantom Regiment. Colonel Hignett took part in military operations in North Africa and Northern Europe alongside fellow Phantom officer, David Niven. He was present during Operation Jubilee on HMS Fernie. In 1943 he suffered ill health and relinquished command. He retired from the army on 17 April 1946. He lived at Langton Grange, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, which he purchased and rebuilt in the Georgian style in 1934-35. He was Sheriff of Leicestershire in 1951. In 1927 he married Alys Gwendoline. She lived until 1991 and Lieutenant-Colonel Hignett died in 1994, survived by two sons and a daughter.

Regimental Details | Commanding Officers