James Brindley Eric Nicolson, VC, DFC (29 April 1917 – 2 May 1945) was a fighter pilot and wing commander in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. He was a recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces, for his actions in August 1940 during the Battle of Britain.
He was born in Hampstead on 29th April 1917. His father was a businessman. 'James' had been a traditional first name in the family for many years and 'Eric' was used as a tribute to a relative who had served in the Great War. The future pilot greatly disliked the name 'Eric' and dropped it in later life. He was known as 'Bill' in his family and became 'Nick' in the RAF.
Nicolson attended Tonbridge School from 1930 to 1934, on leaving he was 6ft 3in. and went to work for Ricardo Engineering. He joined the RAF on a short service commission and began his elementary flying training at 13 E&RFTS, White Waltham on 12th October 1936. His service number was 39329. Nicolson was posted to 10 FTS, Tern Hill on 16th January 1937 and joined 72 Squadron at Church Fenton on 7th August.
He married Muriel Caroline Kendall of Kirby Wharfe, Yorkshire on 29th July 1939 in Tadcaster.
He went to 249 Squadron, then reforming at Church Fenton, on 16th May 1940 as a Flight Commander. P/O TF Neil became a friend on the squadron. In later life Neil's memories of Nicolson's personality and appearance included, 'dark, unruly hair', 'somewhat dishevelled', 'a self confessed expert on pretty well everything', 'congenial', 'an endless talker and mimic'. Nicolson was detached from 249 to AFDU Northolt from 5th to 14th June for an Air Fighting Instructors' Course.
On 16 August 1940 having taken off from RAF Boscombe Down near Salisbury, Nicolson's Hawker Hurricane was almost certainly fired on by the Messerschmitt Bf 109 of Heinz Bretnutz of II./JG 53, who returned to base with claims for two Hurricanes following this action. Nicolson's engine was damaged and the petrol tank set alight. As he struggled to leave the blazing machine he saw another Messerschmitt, and managing to get back into the bucket seat, pressed the firing button and continued firing until the enemy plane dived away to destruction. Not until then did he bail out at 12,000 feet, and he was able to open his parachute in time to land safely in a field. On his descent, he was fired on by LDV volunteers, who ignored his cry of being a RAF pilot.
Nicolson landed at Millbrook and was treated at the scene by a doctor and nurse who happened to be nearby. Nicolson dictated a telegram to his pregnant wife in Yorkshire saying 'Shot down. Very slightly hurt. Full particulars later. All my love, Nick'.
He was placed on a lorry to be taken to the Royal South Hampshire Hospital, Southampton. An ambulance arrived but the doctor considered that Nicolson should not be moved again. During the journey to the hospital a police constable rode on the running board of the lorry to speed its passage. The hospital assessment was that the wounded pilot had 24 hours to live.
Nicolson was taken to Southampton Hospital and three weeks later moved to the RAF Hospital, Halton. In early November he was convalescing at Torquay. He was notified that he had been awarded the VC (gazetted 15th November 1940), Fighter Command's only one of the war.
In a further telegram to his wife he told her 'Darling. Just got VC. Don't know why. Letter follows. All my love. Nick'.
The nomination for the VC had originated with Air Vice-Marshal Park, AOC, 11 Group, following an indication that the King did not feel that the heroism of the RAF was being sufficiently recognised by recommendations for VCs. The award was unusual in that there appear to have been no witness statements, other than Nicolson's own account provided to S/Ldr. J Grandy, CO of 249 Squadron and there had been no consideration by the RAF Awards Committee.
Nicolson was decorated by the King at Buckingham Palace on 25th November.
The announcement and accompanying citation for the decoration was published in supplement to the London Gazette on 15 November 1940, reading
Air Ministry, 15 November 1940.
The KING has been graciously pleased to confer the Victoria Cross on the undermentioned officer in recognition of most conspicuous bravery : –
Flight Lieutenant James Brindley NICOLSON (39329) – No. 249 Squadron.
"During an engagement with the enemy near Southampton on 16th August 1940, Flight Lieutenant Nicolson's aircraft was hit by four cannon shells, two of which wounded him whilst another set fire to the gravity tank. When about to abandon his aircraft owing to flames in the cockpit he sighted an enemy fighter. This he attacked and shot down, although as a result of staying in his burning aircraft he sustained serious burns to his hands, face, neck and legs. Flight Lieutenant Nicolson has always displayed great enthusiasm for air fighting and this incident shows that he possesses courage and determination of a high order. By continuing to engage the enemy after he had been wounded and his aircraft set on fire, he displayed exceptional gallantry and disregard for the safety of his own life."
He was posted to 54 OTU on 24th February 1941 as an instructor. Fully recovered by September 1941, he regained his operational category and on 22nd September 1941 was given command of 1459 Flight at Hibaldstow, a Turbinlite Havoc unit. Nicolson was posted to India in early 1942 and on 17th March began a staff job at HQ 293 Wing, Alipore, moving in December to Air HQ, Bengal.
On 4th August 1943 Nicolson was given command of 27 Squadron, operating in Mosquitos from Agartala, Burma. He was posted away to HQ 3rd TAP, Comilla, Bengal on 11th August 1944 and awarded the DFC (gazetted 11th August 1944) as a Wing Commander.
In April 1945 Nicolson was appointed Wing Commander (Training) at 3rd Tactical Air Force HQ at Comilla, Bengal. On 2nd May he went on a bombing sortie in Liberator KH210 of 355 Squadron as an observer. After taking off from Salbani, the aircraft was 130 miles south of Calcutta when one engine caught fire. The Liberator crashed into the sea and there were only two survivors from the eleven aboard.
His body was not recovered. He is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial.
Nicolson was the only Battle of Britain pilot and the only pilot of RAF Fighter Command to be awarded the Victoria Cross during the Second World War. His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Air Force Museum, Hendon, England.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Brindley_Nicolson
https://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/NicolsonJB.htm
He was born in Hampstead on 29th April 1917. His father was a businessman. 'James' had been a traditional first name in the family for many years and 'Eric' was used as a tribute to a relative who had served in the Great War. The future pilot greatly disliked the name 'Eric' and dropped it in later life. He was known as 'Bill' in his family and became 'Nick' in the RAF.
Nicolson attended Tonbridge School from 1930 to 1934, on leaving he was 6ft 3in. and went to work for Ricardo Engineering. He joined the RAF on a short service commission and began his elementary flying training at 13 E&RFTS, White Waltham on 12th October 1936. His service number was 39329. Nicolson was posted to 10 FTS, Tern Hill on 16th January 1937 and joined 72 Squadron at Church Fenton on 7th August.
He married Muriel Caroline Kendall of Kirby Wharfe, Yorkshire on 29th July 1939 in Tadcaster.
He went to 249 Squadron, then reforming at Church Fenton, on 16th May 1940 as a Flight Commander. P/O TF Neil became a friend on the squadron. In later life Neil's memories of Nicolson's personality and appearance included, 'dark, unruly hair', 'somewhat dishevelled', 'a self confessed expert on pretty well everything', 'congenial', 'an endless talker and mimic'. Nicolson was detached from 249 to AFDU Northolt from 5th to 14th June for an Air Fighting Instructors' Course.
On 16 August 1940 having taken off from RAF Boscombe Down near Salisbury, Nicolson's Hawker Hurricane was almost certainly fired on by the Messerschmitt Bf 109 of Heinz Bretnutz of II./JG 53, who returned to base with claims for two Hurricanes following this action. Nicolson's engine was damaged and the petrol tank set alight. As he struggled to leave the blazing machine he saw another Messerschmitt, and managing to get back into the bucket seat, pressed the firing button and continued firing until the enemy plane dived away to destruction. Not until then did he bail out at 12,000 feet, and he was able to open his parachute in time to land safely in a field. On his descent, he was fired on by LDV volunteers, who ignored his cry of being a RAF pilot.
Nicolson landed at Millbrook and was treated at the scene by a doctor and nurse who happened to be nearby. Nicolson dictated a telegram to his pregnant wife in Yorkshire saying 'Shot down. Very slightly hurt. Full particulars later. All my love, Nick'.
He was placed on a lorry to be taken to the Royal South Hampshire Hospital, Southampton. An ambulance arrived but the doctor considered that Nicolson should not be moved again. During the journey to the hospital a police constable rode on the running board of the lorry to speed its passage. The hospital assessment was that the wounded pilot had 24 hours to live.
Nicolson was taken to Southampton Hospital and three weeks later moved to the RAF Hospital, Halton. In early November he was convalescing at Torquay. He was notified that he had been awarded the VC (gazetted 15th November 1940), Fighter Command's only one of the war.
In a further telegram to his wife he told her 'Darling. Just got VC. Don't know why. Letter follows. All my love. Nick'.
The nomination for the VC had originated with Air Vice-Marshal Park, AOC, 11 Group, following an indication that the King did not feel that the heroism of the RAF was being sufficiently recognised by recommendations for VCs. The award was unusual in that there appear to have been no witness statements, other than Nicolson's own account provided to S/Ldr. J Grandy, CO of 249 Squadron and there had been no consideration by the RAF Awards Committee.
Nicolson was decorated by the King at Buckingham Palace on 25th November.
The announcement and accompanying citation for the decoration was published in supplement to the London Gazette on 15 November 1940, reading
Air Ministry, 15 November 1940.
The KING has been graciously pleased to confer the Victoria Cross on the undermentioned officer in recognition of most conspicuous bravery : –
Flight Lieutenant James Brindley NICOLSON (39329) – No. 249 Squadron.
"During an engagement with the enemy near Southampton on 16th August 1940, Flight Lieutenant Nicolson's aircraft was hit by four cannon shells, two of which wounded him whilst another set fire to the gravity tank. When about to abandon his aircraft owing to flames in the cockpit he sighted an enemy fighter. This he attacked and shot down, although as a result of staying in his burning aircraft he sustained serious burns to his hands, face, neck and legs. Flight Lieutenant Nicolson has always displayed great enthusiasm for air fighting and this incident shows that he possesses courage and determination of a high order. By continuing to engage the enemy after he had been wounded and his aircraft set on fire, he displayed exceptional gallantry and disregard for the safety of his own life."
He was posted to 54 OTU on 24th February 1941 as an instructor. Fully recovered by September 1941, he regained his operational category and on 22nd September 1941 was given command of 1459 Flight at Hibaldstow, a Turbinlite Havoc unit. Nicolson was posted to India in early 1942 and on 17th March began a staff job at HQ 293 Wing, Alipore, moving in December to Air HQ, Bengal.
On 4th August 1943 Nicolson was given command of 27 Squadron, operating in Mosquitos from Agartala, Burma. He was posted away to HQ 3rd TAP, Comilla, Bengal on 11th August 1944 and awarded the DFC (gazetted 11th August 1944) as a Wing Commander.
In April 1945 Nicolson was appointed Wing Commander (Training) at 3rd Tactical Air Force HQ at Comilla, Bengal. On 2nd May he went on a bombing sortie in Liberator KH210 of 355 Squadron as an observer. After taking off from Salbani, the aircraft was 130 miles south of Calcutta when one engine caught fire. The Liberator crashed into the sea and there were only two survivors from the eleven aboard.
His body was not recovered. He is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial.
Nicolson was the only Battle of Britain pilot and the only pilot of RAF Fighter Command to be awarded the Victoria Cross during the Second World War. His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Air Force Museum, Hendon, England.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Brindley_Nicolson
https://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/NicolsonJB.htm
James Brindley Eric Nicolson, VC, DFC (29 April 1917 – 2 May 1945) was a fighter pilot and wing commander in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. He was a recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces, for his actions in August 1940 during the Battle of Britain.
He was born in Hampstead on 29th April 1917. His father was a businessman. 'James' had been a traditional first name in the family for many years and 'Eric' was used as a tribute to a relative who had served in the Great War. The future pilot greatly disliked the name 'Eric' and dropped it in later life. He was known as 'Bill' in his family and became 'Nick' in the RAF.
Nicolson attended Tonbridge School from 1930 to 1934, on leaving he was 6ft 3in. and went to work for Ricardo Engineering. He joined the RAF on a short service commission and began his elementary flying training at 13 E&RFTS, White Waltham on 12th October 1936. His service number was 39329. Nicolson was posted to 10 FTS, Tern Hill on 16th January 1937 and joined 72 Squadron at Church Fenton on 7th August.
He married Muriel Caroline Kendall of Kirby Wharfe, Yorkshire on 29th July 1939 in Tadcaster.
He went to 249 Squadron, then reforming at Church Fenton, on 16th May 1940 as a Flight Commander. P/O TF Neil became a friend on the squadron. In later life Neil's memories of Nicolson's personality and appearance included, 'dark, unruly hair', 'somewhat dishevelled', 'a self confessed expert on pretty well everything', 'congenial', 'an endless talker and mimic'. Nicolson was detached from 249 to AFDU Northolt from 5th to 14th June for an Air Fighting Instructors' Course.
On 16 August 1940 having taken off from RAF Boscombe Down near Salisbury, Nicolson's Hawker Hurricane was almost certainly fired on by the Messerschmitt Bf 109 of Heinz Bretnutz of II./JG 53, who returned to base with claims for two Hurricanes following this action. Nicolson's engine was damaged and the petrol tank set alight. As he struggled to leave the blazing machine he saw another Messerschmitt, and managing to get back into the bucket seat, pressed the firing button and continued firing until the enemy plane dived away to destruction. Not until then did he bail out at 12,000 feet, and he was able to open his parachute in time to land safely in a field. On his descent, he was fired on by LDV volunteers, who ignored his cry of being a RAF pilot.
Nicolson landed at Millbrook and was treated at the scene by a doctor and nurse who happened to be nearby. Nicolson dictated a telegram to his pregnant wife in Yorkshire saying 'Shot down. Very slightly hurt. Full particulars later. All my love, Nick'.
He was placed on a lorry to be taken to the Royal South Hampshire Hospital, Southampton. An ambulance arrived but the doctor considered that Nicolson should not be moved again. During the journey to the hospital a police constable rode on the running board of the lorry to speed its passage. The hospital assessment was that the wounded pilot had 24 hours to live.
Nicolson was taken to Southampton Hospital and three weeks later moved to the RAF Hospital, Halton. In early November he was convalescing at Torquay. He was notified that he had been awarded the VC (gazetted 15th November 1940), Fighter Command's only one of the war.
In a further telegram to his wife he told her 'Darling. Just got VC. Don't know why. Letter follows. All my love. Nick'.
The nomination for the VC had originated with Air Vice-Marshal Park, AOC, 11 Group, following an indication that the King did not feel that the heroism of the RAF was being sufficiently recognised by recommendations for VCs. The award was unusual in that there appear to have been no witness statements, other than Nicolson's own account provided to S/Ldr. J Grandy, CO of 249 Squadron and there had been no consideration by the RAF Awards Committee.
Nicolson was decorated by the King at Buckingham Palace on 25th November.
The announcement and accompanying citation for the decoration was published in supplement to the London Gazette on 15 November 1940, reading
Air Ministry, 15 November 1940.
The KING has been graciously pleased to confer the Victoria Cross on the undermentioned officer in recognition of most conspicuous bravery : –
Flight Lieutenant James Brindley NICOLSON (39329) – No. 249 Squadron.
"During an engagement with the enemy near Southampton on 16th August 1940, Flight Lieutenant Nicolson's aircraft was hit by four cannon shells, two of which wounded him whilst another set fire to the gravity tank. When about to abandon his aircraft owing to flames in the cockpit he sighted an enemy fighter. This he attacked and shot down, although as a result of staying in his burning aircraft he sustained serious burns to his hands, face, neck and legs. Flight Lieutenant Nicolson has always displayed great enthusiasm for air fighting and this incident shows that he possesses courage and determination of a high order. By continuing to engage the enemy after he had been wounded and his aircraft set on fire, he displayed exceptional gallantry and disregard for the safety of his own life."
He was posted to 54 OTU on 24th February 1941 as an instructor. Fully recovered by September 1941, he regained his operational category and on 22nd September 1941 was given command of 1459 Flight at Hibaldstow, a Turbinlite Havoc unit. Nicolson was posted to India in early 1942 and on 17th March began a staff job at HQ 293 Wing, Alipore, moving in December to Air HQ, Bengal.
On 4th August 1943 Nicolson was given command of 27 Squadron, operating in Mosquitos from Agartala, Burma. He was posted away to HQ 3rd TAP, Comilla, Bengal on 11th August 1944 and awarded the DFC (gazetted 11th August 1944) as a Wing Commander.
In April 1945 Nicolson was appointed Wing Commander (Training) at 3rd Tactical Air Force HQ at Comilla, Bengal. On 2nd May he went on a bombing sortie in Liberator KH210 of 355 Squadron as an observer. After taking off from Salbani, the aircraft was 130 miles south of Calcutta when one engine caught fire. The Liberator crashed into the sea and there were only two survivors from the eleven aboard.
His body was not recovered. He is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial.
Nicolson was the only Battle of Britain pilot and the only pilot of RAF Fighter Command to be awarded the Victoria Cross during the Second World War. His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Air Force Museum, Hendon, England.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Brindley_Nicolson
https://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/NicolsonJB.htm
He was born in Hampstead on 29th April 1917. His father was a businessman. 'James' had been a traditional first name in the family for many years and 'Eric' was used as a tribute to a relative who had served in the Great War. The future pilot greatly disliked the name 'Eric' and dropped it in later life. He was known as 'Bill' in his family and became 'Nick' in the RAF.
Nicolson attended Tonbridge School from 1930 to 1934, on leaving he was 6ft 3in. and went to work for Ricardo Engineering. He joined the RAF on a short service commission and began his elementary flying training at 13 E&RFTS, White Waltham on 12th October 1936. His service number was 39329. Nicolson was posted to 10 FTS, Tern Hill on 16th January 1937 and joined 72 Squadron at Church Fenton on 7th August.
He married Muriel Caroline Kendall of Kirby Wharfe, Yorkshire on 29th July 1939 in Tadcaster.
He went to 249 Squadron, then reforming at Church Fenton, on 16th May 1940 as a Flight Commander. P/O TF Neil became a friend on the squadron. In later life Neil's memories of Nicolson's personality and appearance included, 'dark, unruly hair', 'somewhat dishevelled', 'a self confessed expert on pretty well everything', 'congenial', 'an endless talker and mimic'. Nicolson was detached from 249 to AFDU Northolt from 5th to 14th June for an Air Fighting Instructors' Course.
On 16 August 1940 having taken off from RAF Boscombe Down near Salisbury, Nicolson's Hawker Hurricane was almost certainly fired on by the Messerschmitt Bf 109 of Heinz Bretnutz of II./JG 53, who returned to base with claims for two Hurricanes following this action. Nicolson's engine was damaged and the petrol tank set alight. As he struggled to leave the blazing machine he saw another Messerschmitt, and managing to get back into the bucket seat, pressed the firing button and continued firing until the enemy plane dived away to destruction. Not until then did he bail out at 12,000 feet, and he was able to open his parachute in time to land safely in a field. On his descent, he was fired on by LDV volunteers, who ignored his cry of being a RAF pilot.
Nicolson landed at Millbrook and was treated at the scene by a doctor and nurse who happened to be nearby. Nicolson dictated a telegram to his pregnant wife in Yorkshire saying 'Shot down. Very slightly hurt. Full particulars later. All my love, Nick'.
He was placed on a lorry to be taken to the Royal South Hampshire Hospital, Southampton. An ambulance arrived but the doctor considered that Nicolson should not be moved again. During the journey to the hospital a police constable rode on the running board of the lorry to speed its passage. The hospital assessment was that the wounded pilot had 24 hours to live.
Nicolson was taken to Southampton Hospital and three weeks later moved to the RAF Hospital, Halton. In early November he was convalescing at Torquay. He was notified that he had been awarded the VC (gazetted 15th November 1940), Fighter Command's only one of the war.
In a further telegram to his wife he told her 'Darling. Just got VC. Don't know why. Letter follows. All my love. Nick'.
The nomination for the VC had originated with Air Vice-Marshal Park, AOC, 11 Group, following an indication that the King did not feel that the heroism of the RAF was being sufficiently recognised by recommendations for VCs. The award was unusual in that there appear to have been no witness statements, other than Nicolson's own account provided to S/Ldr. J Grandy, CO of 249 Squadron and there had been no consideration by the RAF Awards Committee.
Nicolson was decorated by the King at Buckingham Palace on 25th November.
The announcement and accompanying citation for the decoration was published in supplement to the London Gazette on 15 November 1940, reading
Air Ministry, 15 November 1940.
The KING has been graciously pleased to confer the Victoria Cross on the undermentioned officer in recognition of most conspicuous bravery : –
Flight Lieutenant James Brindley NICOLSON (39329) – No. 249 Squadron.
"During an engagement with the enemy near Southampton on 16th August 1940, Flight Lieutenant Nicolson's aircraft was hit by four cannon shells, two of which wounded him whilst another set fire to the gravity tank. When about to abandon his aircraft owing to flames in the cockpit he sighted an enemy fighter. This he attacked and shot down, although as a result of staying in his burning aircraft he sustained serious burns to his hands, face, neck and legs. Flight Lieutenant Nicolson has always displayed great enthusiasm for air fighting and this incident shows that he possesses courage and determination of a high order. By continuing to engage the enemy after he had been wounded and his aircraft set on fire, he displayed exceptional gallantry and disregard for the safety of his own life."
He was posted to 54 OTU on 24th February 1941 as an instructor. Fully recovered by September 1941, he regained his operational category and on 22nd September 1941 was given command of 1459 Flight at Hibaldstow, a Turbinlite Havoc unit. Nicolson was posted to India in early 1942 and on 17th March began a staff job at HQ 293 Wing, Alipore, moving in December to Air HQ, Bengal.
On 4th August 1943 Nicolson was given command of 27 Squadron, operating in Mosquitos from Agartala, Burma. He was posted away to HQ 3rd TAP, Comilla, Bengal on 11th August 1944 and awarded the DFC (gazetted 11th August 1944) as a Wing Commander.
In April 1945 Nicolson was appointed Wing Commander (Training) at 3rd Tactical Air Force HQ at Comilla, Bengal. On 2nd May he went on a bombing sortie in Liberator KH210 of 355 Squadron as an observer. After taking off from Salbani, the aircraft was 130 miles south of Calcutta when one engine caught fire. The Liberator crashed into the sea and there were only two survivors from the eleven aboard.
His body was not recovered. He is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial.
Nicolson was the only Battle of Britain pilot and the only pilot of RAF Fighter Command to be awarded the Victoria Cross during the Second World War. His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Air Force Museum, Hendon, England.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Brindley_Nicolson
https://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/NicolsonJB.htm
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