24213 Pte. Henry James Nicholas was awarded the Victoria Cross after leading an assault on a Germa strongpoint at Polderhoek, Belgium on 3 December 1917 during World War 1
His citation reads:
"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 forwrd 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 prisones nnd 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 ammunintion under heavy machine gun anr rifle fire."
"His exceptional valour and coolness throughout the operation afforded an inspiring example to all."
Sergeant Henry James Nicholas VC MM
1st Battalion Canterbury Regiment
Born Lincoln, New Zealand 11 June 1891
Killed in action 23 October 1918
Sgt Nicholas was awarded the Victoria Cross after leading an assault on a German strongpoint at Polderhoek, Belgium on 3 December 1917 during World War I.
He was awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in the field in a separate action in 1918.
Sgt Nicholas was killed in axction 19 days before Armistice Day on a bridge at Beaudignies Village, near Le Quesnoy, France. He is buried in the Vertigneul Churchyard, Romeries, France.