Background
Highwood was born in Marden, Kent, to William and Sarah Highwood, of Hertsfield Farm.
Highwood was born in Marden, Kent, to William and Sarah Highwood, of Hertsfield Farm.
He first served as a private in the Queen"s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). In 1917 he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, and on 11 October was commissioned as a temporary second lieutenant (on probation), being confirmed in his rank on 22 March 1918. He was posted to Number. On 9 October 1918 he was appointed a flight commander with the acting rank of captain, but left the Royal Air Force after the end of the war, being transferred to the unemployed list on 2 March 1919.
After the war Highwood returned to the family business of growing fruit and vegetables, acquiring Sheerland Farm in Pluckley, Kent, in 1929.