Plot of NICHOLAS family including memorial to Sgt Henry James NICHOLAS V.C., M.M.

In loving memory of Sergeant Henry James NICHOLAS V.C., M.M ,

2nd son of R & H NICHOLAS

Killed in action at Beaudignies

16 October 1918, aged 26 years

Peace perfect peace

Also Hannah NICHOLAS

Dearly loved mother of above

Died 9 July 1932 aged 65 years

At rest

Also

Frederick Charles

1887-1951

Ernest

1895-1939

 

 

Victoria Cross - London Gazette, 11 January 1918, p724, Rec No 1804: 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 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 strongpoint 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

 

Military Medal - London Gazette, 13 March 1919, p3453, Rec No 2870: Operations on Welsh and Bon Avis Ridges - 28th September to 1st October 1918. For fearless leadership and contempt of danger during the operations - particularly on 29th September when after a successful advance, his Company's flank was in the air and position critical. By skillful handling and heroic example, he inspired his men and so enabled his half Platoon to break an enemy attack of superior numbers. The success of the operations was due in a considerable measure due to his great example and contempt of danger.

 

Another account of his V.C. action:

paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=s...

 

Death circumstance:

"He was shot through the head whilst demanding the surrender of some enemy soldiers whom he saw vaguely in the darkness"[4]

 

Henry's Cenotaph database record:

muse.aucklandmuseum.com/databases/Cenotaph/11458.detail?O...

 

His military records are available to read online:

www.archway.archives.govt.nz/StreamgateProxy/fileStream?i...

 

For photo of his grave post quake see comments section.

For photo of his funeral in France 9 November 1918 see comments section

 

Link to photo of his grave taken 2012

thebelgianshavenotforgotten.blogspot.co.nz/2012/04/new-ze...

 

*********************************************************************

 

Hannah NICHOLAS

Hannah nee DAY married Richard Henry NICHOLAS c1886.

Marriage registration 1886/2336

 

*********************************************************************

 

Frederick Charles NICHOLAS

Born: 27 July 1887, Lincoln

Died: 14 May 1951

Son of Hannah and Richard. Brother of James.

Occupation: Carpenter

 

Also fought in WW1 and saw action in Gallipoli.

Private Frederick NICHOLAS 6/1363

[Richard NICHOLAS, 35 Berry Street, St. Albans, Christchurch, father]

Occupation on enlist: plumber for Taylors Oakley, Christchurch

 

Markings:

Tattoos: Britannia; basket of flowers; dressed ladie [sic] on left arm. Tigirs [? sic] head in circle; eagle snake clasped hands on right arm. Star on thigh. [illegible word] on left thigh.

 

25/29 April 1915: Wounded [gunshot wound, left hand] Dardanelles 25/29 April 1915

[findings: "he has lost the whole of his second finger and has [illegible word] wound [illegible word] back of third finger. Wounds quite healed"]

3 May 1915: admitted to "Gascon" hospital, Alexandria

2 June 1915: invalided to New Zealand medically unfit for active service.

 

His Cenotaph database record:

muse.aucklandmuseum.com/databases/Cenotaph/51821.detail?O...

 

His military records are online to view:

ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServle...

 

 

*********************************************************************

Ernest Nicholas

Born: July 8th 1895, Christchurch

Died: 1 January 1939

Son of Hannah and Richard. Brother of James.

 

BODY FOUND ON BEACH

January 2. The body of Ernest Nicholas, a single man, aged 40 years, a Public Works Department employee, was found on the New Brighton beach at 5 a.m. on Sunday. He was last seen on Christmas Day. The inquest was adjourned. [1]

 

Also fought in WW1.

Previously in the Territorials for 3 years

His Cenotaph database record:

muse.aucklandmuseum.com/databases/Cenotaph/68971.detail?O...

 

Occupation at enlist: Painter for Mr Jackson, Wellington

Military number: 12457

Rank: Corporal

Marks: Right arm snake etc

Left arm fern leaf, women etc

Append [sic] scar

23 Feb 1916: to hospital with measles at Featherston.

8 Oct 1916 was charged with unseemly behaviour outside hut [urinated] and given 168 hrs detention.

 

His military records are online to read:

ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServle...

 

**********************************************************************

Relating to the brothers:

paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=s...

 

The younger brother mentioned in the above article is Reginald Armstrong Day NICHOLAS. He died c1952 aged 51.

 

An article about Henry's boxing talents:

paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=s...

 

 

There was also a daughter named Mabel May born to Hannah and Richard c1890. She married Charles SUTTON at the Trinity Congregational church, Manchester Street, Christchurch on 3 December 1914[3]

 

 

SOURCES:

Military records

Cemetery databases

NZ Dept Internal Affairs historic BDM indexes

 

[1]

paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=s...

[2]

muse.aucklandmuseum.com/databases/Cenotaph/51821.detail?O...

[3]

paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=s...

[4]

paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=s...

 

 

 

Done