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24213, Private, M.M. |
Private
Nicholas was born at Lincoln, Canterbury, New Zealand,11 June 1891, and
was 26 years old when the action for which he was awarded The Victoria Cross took place.
The citation from the London Gazette dated 11 January 1918 reads:
"For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in an attack at Polderhoek, Belgium, on December 3, 1917.
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-gun and rifle fire from an enemy strongpoint.
Whereupon, followed by the remainder of his section at an interval of about 25 yards, Private Nicholas rushed forward alone, shot the officer in command of the strongpoint, and overcame the remainder of the garrison of 16 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."
Private Nicholas later achieved the rank of Lance Sergeant.
He was killed in action at Le Quesnoy, France, on 23 October 1918. He is buried at the Vertigneul Churchyard, Romieres, France.
His Victoria Cross is held at the Canterbury Museum, Christchurch, New Zealand.
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