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Serjeant HENRY JAMES NICHOLAS

Service Number: 24213
Regiment & Unit/Ship

Canterbury Regiment, N.Z.E.F.

12th Nelson Coy. 1st Bn.

Date of Death

Died 23 October 1918

Age 27 years old

Buried or commemorated at

VERTIGNEUL CHURCHYARD, ROMERIES

15.

France

Commonwealth War Graves Commission - Headstone Placeholder
  • Country of Service New Zealand
  • Awards Victoria Cross, Military Medal
  • Additional Info Son of Richard and Hannah Nicholas. Buried by the Bishop of Nelson, 29th Oct.
  • Additional Citation note

    An extract from "The London Gazette" dated 8th Jan., 1918, records the following:-"For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in attack. Pte. 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-gun and rifle fire from an enemy strong point. Whereupon, followed by the remainder of his section at an interval of about twenty-five yards, Pte. Nicholas rushed forward alone, shot the officer in command of the strong point, 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 this strong point practically singlehanded, and thereby saved many casualties. Subsequently, when the advance had reached its limit, Pte. Nicholas collected ammunition under heavy machine-gun and rifle fire. His exceptional valour and coolness throughout the operations afforded an inspiring example to all."

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