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Sgt. Hanry James Nicholas VC, MM.
New Zealand Expeditionary Force 12th Nelson Coy. 1st Bn. Canterbury Regiment
(d.23rd October 1918)
Henry James Nicholas died on the 23rd October 1918, aged 27 and was buried in the Vertigneul Churchyard in France, by the Bishop of Nelson on 29th Oct. He was the son of Richard and Hannah Nicholas.
His Citation States: "...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."
