Sergeant

Henry James Nicholas

Victoria Cross, MM

Awards

Conflict: 
WW1
Additional Information: 

Son of Richard and Hannah Nicholas. Buried by the Bishop of Nelson, 29th Oct.

References:
  • CWGC
  • Archives New Zealand
NZ WAR GRAVES

Biographical Notes:

The citation from the London Gazette dated 11 January 1918 reads:-

"For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in an attack. Private Nicholas, who was one of a Lewis-gun section, had orders to form a defensive flank to the right of the advance, which was subsequently checked by heavy machine-guns and rifle fire from an enemy strongpoint. Whereupon, followed by the remainder of his section at an interval of about twenty five yards, Private Nicholas rushed forward alone, shot the officer in command of the strongpoint, and overcame the remainder of the garrison of sixteen by means of bombs and bayonet, capturing four wounded prisoners and a machine-gun. He captured the strongpoint practically single-handed and thereby saved many casualties. Subsequently, when the advance had reached its limit, Private Nicholas collected ammunition under heavy machine-gun and rifle fire. His exceptional valour and coolness throughout the operations afforded an inspiring example to all."

Public Contributions:

There are no public contributions written for this casualty

Personal Tributes:

Casualty

Service Number: 
24213
Name:
Henry James Nicholas
Rank: 
Sergeant
Date of Birth:
11 June 1891
Place of Birth: 
Lincoln, Canterbury, New Zealand
Next of Kin: 
Richard Nicholas (father), 35 Berry Street, Saint Albans, Christchurch, New Zealand
Date of Enlistment:
Not known
Occupation on Enlistment:
Carpenter
Armed Force: 
Army
Unit:
NZEF, Canterbury Regiment, 1 Battalion, 12 (Nelson) Company

Casualty Details

Cause of Death:
Killed in action
Date of Death:
23 October 1918
Day of Death:
Wednesday
Age at Death: 
26
Conflict: 
WW1

Embarkation Details

Embarkation Body:
New Zealand Expeditionary Force
Embarkation Place:
Wellington, New Zealand
Embarkment Date:
27 May 1916
Transport:

HMNZT 54
HMNZT 55
Vessel:
Willochra or Tofua
Destination:
Plymouth or Devonport, England

Text in italics supplied by Cenotaph Online, Auckland War Memorial Museum

Cemetery

Cemetery Reference: 
15
Cemetery Location: 
France
Henry James Nicholas
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