World War II Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Nottingham, England, he served as a Lance Corporal in the 3rd Battalion, Grenadier Guards. On May 21, 1940, Lance Corporal Nicholls was in command of platoon during a counter attack at River Scheldt, Belgium. As he advanced his platoon, he was wounded in the arm by shrapnel, but continued to lead his section forward under heavy enemy fire. Lance Corporal Nicholls, realizing the danger, immediately seized a Bren gun and dashed forward towards the machine-guns, firing from the hip. He succeeded in silencing first machine-gun and then two other machine-guns, in spite of being again severely wounded. Then he went on up to a higher piece of ground and engaged the German infantry massed behind, causing many casualties. He continued to fire until he had no more ammunition and was wounded at least four times in all, but absolutely refused to give in. For gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was promoted Corporal and invested with his Victoria Cross by King George VI at Buckingham Palace on June 22, 1945. He died at age 60 in Leeds, England.
World War II Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Nottingham, England, he served as a Lance Corporal in the 3rd Battalion, Grenadier Guards. On May 21, 1940, Lance Corporal Nicholls was in command of platoon during a counter attack at River Scheldt, Belgium. As he advanced his platoon, he was wounded in the arm by shrapnel, but continued to lead his section forward under heavy enemy fire. Lance Corporal Nicholls, realizing the danger, immediately seized a Bren gun and dashed forward towards the machine-guns, firing from the hip. He succeeded in silencing first machine-gun and then two other machine-guns, in spite of being again severely wounded. Then he went on up to a higher piece of ground and engaged the German infantry massed behind, causing many casualties. He continued to fire until he had no more ammunition and was wounded at least four times in all, but absolutely refused to give in. For gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was promoted Corporal and invested with his Victoria Cross by King George VI at Buckingham Palace on June 22, 1945. He died at age 60 in Leeds, England.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Advertisement
